Sicily, Messana, Tetradrachm ca. 412-408 BC, extremely rare

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!