Lot 34
Sicily, Messana. Silver Tetradrachm (16.93 g), ca. 412-408 BC. The nymph Messana driving biga of mules left; above, Nike flying right, crowning Messana with wreath; in exergue, two opposed dolphins.rev. MEΣ-Σ-A-NIO-N, hare springing right; below, youthful head of Pan right. Caltabiano 604 (D217/R235, this coin); SNG ANS 369 (same dies). Very Rare. A magnificent, bold and well detailed example. Attractively toned. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $5,000
From the Dionysus Collection
Ex Nomos 5 (25 October 2011), lot 118.
On this later tetradrachm, the Archaic style that characterizes the preceding lot has been thrown off and now Messana in the mule-biga and the leaping hare are treated in a fully classical style. No longer does Messana stand rigidly in her peplos, but now she is somewhat more naturalistic and her garment flows. Likewise, whereas the mules of the earlier tetradrachm stand with stiff legs all moving in parallel, on the present piece the animals are fully distinguished from one another by slight differences in view and pose.
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| Realized $8,850 |
