Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. // Greek legend in four lines below Mount Gerizim; all within laurel wreath. 25mm, 10.22 grams. Rosenberger 111.

Very rare.

Shekhem, known today as Nablus, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. Located in the central highlands of ancient Canaan (modern-day West Bank), it is prominently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as a significant site for the Israelites. According to biblical tradition, Shekhem was where Abraham first built an altar, Jacob settled and purchased land, and Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel to renew their covenant with God. The city became a major center during the Canaanite period and later served as the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel after the split of the united monarchy. It was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BCE but was rebuilt and continued to play a role during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Shekhem is also associated with the Samaritan community, who consider nearby Mount Gerizim their holiest site. Throughout its history, the city has been a focal point of religious, cultural, and political significance, reflecting the complex tapestry of the region's past.