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Stunning Quality Messana Silver Tetradrachm
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Sicily, Messana. Silver Tetradrachm (16.93 g), ca. 412-408 BC. The nymph Messana driving biga of mules
left; above, Nike flying right, crowning Messana with wreath; in exergue, two opposed dolphins.Rev.
MES
-
S
-
A
-
NIO
-
N
, hare springing right; below, youthful head of Pan right. Caltabiano 604 (D217/R235,
this coin); SNG ANS 369 (same dies).
Very Rare.
A magnificent, bold and well detailed example. Attrac-
tively toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
$5,000
From the Dionysus Collection
Ex Nomos 5 (25 October 2011), lot 118.
On this later tetradrachm, the Archaic style that characterizes the preceding lot has been thrown off and now Messana in the
mule-biga and the leaping hare are treated in a fully classical style. No longer does Messana stand rigidly in her peplos, but now
she is somewhat more naturalistic and her garment flows. Likewise, whereas the mules of the earlier tetradrachm stand with stiff
legs all moving in parallel, on the present piece the animals are fully distinguished from one another by slight differences in view
and pose.
35
Sicily, Messana. The Mamertinoi. Æ Quincunx (14.30 g), 264-241 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right. Rev.
MAME[PTIN
W
N], warrior advancing left, holding forth shield on arm, and spear; in upper left field, four
pellets. Särström series XVIII A; BAR 14; CNS 45. Attractive dark greenish-brown patina. Some minor
porosity on reverse. Choice Very Fine.
$300
From the Dionysus Collection.