Sicily, Tetradrachm, ca. 412-408 BC
Messana - Silver - AU(50-53) - HGC:2-795
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
The nymph Messana standing left, driving a biga of mules walking to left, wearing chiton, holding reins in both hands ; above, Nike flying to right to crown Messana with open wreath (or holding a palm over her head ?) ; in the exergue, two dolphins confronted.
Hare springing to right; below, youthful head of Pan to right, with curly hair ; before, syrinx (Pan flute).
Superb and extremely rare tetradrachm with a crack in the flan due to the strike on the edge between 10h and 11h and adorned with a splendid patina giving a golden aspect to the coin. This type is extremely rare and sought-after by collectors. In fact, the head of Pan under the hare is very special and is rarely found on strikes from the city of Messana, especially with the flute, which is only present on this type, giving it a great rarity. On the reverse, we note two types, one in which Nike clearly crowns the nymph, with the crown clearly visible in her hands, while our example, like the very rare ones seen at auction (such as the example from the Lockett Collection), shows Nike appearing to be holding a palm over her head. It may also be a representation of a crown seen from the side, but this probably seems unlikely. We find a clear die link for this D217 obverse with Caltabiano 604, with reverse with Pan's head without the flute before, and 605, where the head is turned to the left. An extremely interesting link from a numismatic perspective, showing that this single D217 obverse die has been engraved and combined with at least three reverse dies. What is most interesting is that the examples seen in sales and referenced as 604 and 605 may show an obverse less affected by die breaks. However, our example contains them on the thinner reliefs such as the spokes of the chariot wheel or the legs of the mules. It is therefore possible that the reverse die R235 is in fact posterior to the dies of types 604 (R236) and 605 (R237), and not earlier as the consecutive numbering suggests. An extremely rare tetradrachm of great numismatic interest! Caltabiano Series XVA 603 (D217/R235); SNG Lockett 829 (= Lockett Catalogue, Part II, 709); SNG Ashmolean/Fitzwilliam 1077 (same dies); SNG Monaco 657 (same dies) and HGC 2, 795. Faune d'Argent Collection.
ΜΕΣΣΑΝ-Ι-ΟΝ
16.9 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
