At the centre of this necklace is an electrum stater struck in Zeugitana between 290 and 270 BCE, a particularly fine example of this issue, distinguished by the clarity of its strike, the quality of its engraving, and the preservation of its surface. The composition is remarkably balanced, and the features are rendered with precision. On the obverse, Tanit appears in left profile, crowned with a wreath of grain and wearing a triple-pendant earring and a necklace composed of ten finely articulated pendants. On the reverse, a horse stands to the right above two pellets in the exergue. The stallion is alert yet composed, lending the coin both force and equilibrium. The well-preserved surface deepens the contrast within the recessed areas, giving the design exceptional clarity and intensity.
The coin is composed of electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, whose pale and muted luminosity differs from the brilliance of refined gold. A rotating mechanism was developed specifically for this piece, allowing the coin to turn within its setting while preserving the original alignment of its two faces. Because the stater was struck on a 12h axis, either side may be worn outward.
The design takes its point of departure from the necklace worn by Tanit herself on the coin, here reworked as a contemporary collar necklace in 18-carat yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and diamonds. Twelve mother-of-pearl petals establish the principal rhythm of the piece around the central stater, while the secondary petals are set with a total of ninety-two grey diamonds. The diffused luminosity of the mother-of-pearl sits in perfect accord with the pale, muted gold of the electrum, while the diamonds, with their more concentrated play of light, evoke Tanit’s association with the heavens.
The chain extends this language. Its articulated gold elements draw on ancient necklace forms, recalling the repeated modular constructions found in Hellenistic gold work. Joined in a measured sequence, they create both rhythm and flexibility, supporting the central motif without competing with it.
This coin also has a documented modern history. It formed part of the “HY” Collection and was authenticated and registered by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) under reference 5878695-002, preserving a verifiable record of the exact piece before it was set. NGC graded the coin as Choice Very Fine. Its strike received the highest score of 5 out of 5, reflecting a perfectly centred impression and full articulation of the design, while the surface was graded 4 out of 5, indicating a remarkably well-preserved condition with only light traces of its long history.
Created in yellow gold, mother-of-pearl and grey diamonds, the Tanit Electrum Stater Collar Necklace translates the 2,300-year-old necklace worn by the goddess on the coin into a singular contemporary jewel, drawn from history and shaped for the present.
