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Lansky Auction 2 6 Jul 2020
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Sicily. Zankle. 500-490 BC. AR Obol (0.67g). Gielow 71; SNG Lloyd 1078. Old cabinet tone. Exceptional for issue. Choice extremely fine. From a European private collection
Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Zankle (Messana) was located on a sickle-shaped promontory on the Strait of Messana from which it derived its name; 'zanklion' was a native Sikel word for 'crescent' or 'sickle'. The obverse depicts a dolphin leaping within a crescent-shaped enclosure representing the harbour and serving as a punning symbol of the city's name.
Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Zankle (Messana) was located on a sickle-shaped promontory on the Strait of Messana from which it derived its name; 'zanklion' was a native Sikel word for 'crescent' or 'sickle'. The obverse depicts a dolphin leaping within a crescent-shaped enclosure representing the harbour and serving as a punning symbol of the city's name.