Lot 4290
Sicily, Messana. Silver Tetradrachm (17.1g) struck ca. 425-421 BC. Slow mule-biga right, charioteer holding reins and kentron; in exergue, olive berry and leaf. Reverse: MEΣ - Σ - A - N - IO - N. Hare springing right; below, fly right. Caltabiano 479 (D196/R190); SNG ANS 375 (same dies). Lightly toned with sharp relief. Choice Very Fine.
Of particular interest to entomologists, this late fifth century BC tetradrachm of Messana features a prominent representation of a fly as its symbol beneath the bounding hare. Another variety depicts a locust. The mule-car probably derives from the victory in that event of Anaxilas, tyrant of Rhegium and Messana, in the Olympian games of 484 or 480 BC. Messana originally bore the name of Zancle (Sickle) from the shape of its harbor but this was changed about 488 BC when Anaxilas installed there a large body of Messanian immigrants from the Peloponnese.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $4,025 |
