Gemini, LLC
Auction 12 11 January 2015
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Sicily. Messana. c. 413-405 BC. Tetradrachm, 17.06g (11h). Obv: Mule biga left, driven by charioteer holding goad and reins; in exergue, two dolphins meeting. Rx: ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΣ Hare springing left; above, dove flying up left; below, ear of wheat. Caccamo Caltabiano 615. Rizzo, pl. XXVII, 6 (same dies). Jameson Coll. 657 (same dies). Area of flat strike on head/body of driver, as well as corresponding area on the reverse (head of hare). Minor horn silver below mules. Near Mint State
Ex NAC 54, 24 March 2010, lot 43
The rare legend ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΣ is a masculine adjective modifying an implied noun such as "stater". Curiously, such adjectival legends appeared on the coins of numerous other Sicillian cities too at about the same time, probably because the coin engravers wanted to avoid having to write the vowel Ω in the normal ethnic in the form dictated by the recent orthographic reform
Ex NAC 54, 24 March 2010, lot 43
The rare legend ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΣ is a masculine adjective modifying an implied noun such as "stater". Curiously, such adjectival legends appeared on the coins of numerous other Sicillian cities too at about the same time, probably because the coin engravers wanted to avoid having to write the vowel Ω in the normal ethnic in the form dictated by the recent orthographic reform