Sicily, Messana, Tetradrachm 412-408 BC, extremely rare variety, NGC graded

Sicily. Messana. Tetradrachm ca. 412-408 BC. Silver 17.06 g.; 30 mm.
Obverse: 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.
Reverse: Hare springing to left; above, a bird with its wings spread; below, a grain ear to left; in the exergue, the ethnic MEΣΣANIOΣ.

HGC: 2-797. 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).

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.
NGC graded Ch XF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5 - Fine Style