Exceptional Messana Tetradrachm

CNG 85, Lot: 189. Estimate $25000. Sold for $19000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SICILY, Messana. 412-408 BC. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 17.32 g, 2h). The nymph Messana, holding reins in right hand and kentron in left, driving slow biga of mules left; above, Nike flying right, crowning her with wreath / Hare springing right; in background, stalk of grain with four ears; MEΣΣANION within two parallel exergual lines; [leaf below]. Caltabiano 601 (D215/R233); SNG ANS 379 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 1107 = Rizzo pl. XXVII, 16 = Pozzi 1097 (same dies). Superb EF, lightly toned. Excellent metal.