Lot 4203

Description

Sicily, Messana, (450-446 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (16.55 g), obv. biga of mules driven to right by seated male charioteer, Nike flying above crowning biga, in exergue bay leaf with fruit, rev. MESS E N ION (N letters reversed), hare running to right, olive spray below, (cf.S.847, Caltabiano 357 [obv.die 158, rev. die 148, cf.SNG Fitz. 1069 [same reverse die], 7 coins known from these dies]). Struck from rusty and worn dies as are all known examples, otherwise fine and rare.

Ex Dr. V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from Noble Numismatics Sale 106 (lot 3335) previously from Christies Auction Sale, London, November 12, 1985 (lot 23 part).