Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXII 7-8 Oct 2021
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Sicily, Messana AR Tetradrachm. 425-421 BC. The nymph Messana, holding kentron in left hand and reins in both, driving slow biga of mules to right; two dolphins confronted in exergue / Hare springing to right; MEΣΣANION around, dolphin to right below. Caltabiano Series XIII, 497 (D202/R205); SNG ANS 360 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1092 (same dies); SNG Lockett 827 = Pozzi 488 (same dies); Hermitage Sale II 293 (same dies); Rhousopoulos 188 (same dies); HGC 2, 787. 17.25g, 25mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine.
Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, (inventory #525333);
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 56;
Privately purchased from A. Tkalec AG, 1994.
Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messana was originally called Zankle, meaning 'scythe' because of the shape of its natural harbour (though a legend attributes the name to King Zanklos). Herodotus and Thucydides relate that in the early 5th century BC, Anaxilas of Rhegion encouraged the Samians and other Ionian refugees to seize Zankle, which was then under the rule of the tyrant Skythes, who had been appointed to that post in 494 BC by Hippokrates of Gela. Shortly afterwards Anaxilas himself besieged the city, drove out the Samians, peopled it with fresh inhabitants and renamed it Messana in honour of his native city of Messene, which had itself been founded by Epaminondas after the battle of Leuktra.
While the earlier issues of Messana already featured artistry of solid competence, the present coin embodies a refinement of technique and elegance that breathed new life into the coinage of Messana; die engraving at this city would reach its zenith in the coming decade, not long before it was sacked by the Carthaginians under Himilco in 397.
Extremely Fine.
Privately purchased from Classical Numismatic Group, (inventory #525333);
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 114, 6 May 2019, lot 56;
Privately purchased from A. Tkalec AG, 1994.
Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, Messana was originally called Zankle, meaning 'scythe' because of the shape of its natural harbour (though a legend attributes the name to King Zanklos). Herodotus and Thucydides relate that in the early 5th century BC, Anaxilas of Rhegion encouraged the Samians and other Ionian refugees to seize Zankle, which was then under the rule of the tyrant Skythes, who had been appointed to that post in 494 BC by Hippokrates of Gela. Shortly afterwards Anaxilas himself besieged the city, drove out the Samians, peopled it with fresh inhabitants and renamed it Messana in honour of his native city of Messene, which had itself been founded by Epaminondas after the battle of Leuktra.
While the earlier issues of Messana already featured artistry of solid competence, the present coin embodies a refinement of technique and elegance that breathed new life into the coinage of Messana; die engraving at this city would reach its zenith in the coming decade, not long before it was sacked by the Carthaginians under Himilco in 397.