SICILY. Messana. AR Tetradrachm (17.23 gms), ca. 412-408 B.C. NGC Ch VF, Strike: 3/5 Surface: 3/5. Brushed.HGC-2, 794; Caltabiano-Series XV, 601 (D215/R233); SNG ANS-379 (Same dies). Obverse: The nymph Messana, holding kentron and reins, driving biga of mules left; Nike flying right above, crowning charioteer with wreath; Reverse: Hare springing right; stalk of grain in background; [ME]ΣΣANION between parallel exergual lines. A RARE and enchanting type from Messana. Struck from beautiful dies and retaining a gentle underlying luster beneath the mottled gray tone. Slightly off-center reverse but otherwise an exemplary representative.
