Sicily, Zankle-Messana. Silver Drachm (5.66 g), ca. 500-493 BC Choice VF. DANKL[E], dolphin leaping left within sickle-shaped harbor. Reverse: Nine-part incuse square with scallop shell in center. Gielow 33 (same dies); DuChastel 39 (same dies); SNG ANS 302; Basel 359. Rare. Area of flatness as struck. Toned. Choice Very Fine.
Cumaean and Euboean settlers founded the city of Zankle on the northeastern coast of Sicily sometime during the eighth century B.C. The place took its name from the shape of its harbor, and means "sickle." In 488 BC, the city was overshadowed by Rhegion, the mainland town on the coast of Italy directly opposite Zankle, whose tyrant, Anaxilas, settled colonists from Messenia in the Peloponnese there. Henceforth the city was known as Messana after these new colonists. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000
Ex Gemini VI (10 January 2010), 28.