Sicily, Tetradrachm, ca. 412-408 BC
Messana - Silver - NGC - Ch XF 4/5-4/5
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.
Biga of mules advancing to left at pace, driven by a charioteer holding the reins with both hands and a kentron with the right; in the exergue, two confronted dolphins.
Hare springing to left; above, a bird with its wings spread; below, a grain ear to left; in the exergue, the ethnic MEΣΣANIOΣ.
Extremely rare ethnic variety: ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΣ instead of ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΩΣ, with a very rare type, showing this springing hare to the left. Less than 5 examples, this one included, seems to have been seen in past sales over the last twenty years. An example covered in a magnificent grey cabinet patina with beautiful iridescence. Caltabiano XVA, 615 (D220/R242). Rizzo, pl. XXVII, 6 (same dies). Jameson 657 (same dies) ; SNG ANS 378 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd 1104 (same dies) ; J. Hirsch XXXIII (1913), 381 (same dies).
MEΣΣANIOΣ
17.06 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.
