Messana, Sicily Ancient Greek AR Tetradrachm, 425-396 B.C., BMC 51

Description

Messana, on the northern coast of Sicily; modern Messina

Ancient Greek Messana is an ancient city located in Sicily, and it was a flourishing Greek community during the classical period of Greece. It is one of the first archaeological sites ever excavated and has been an essential archaeological presence since then. The Greek presence in Messana dates back to the 8th century BC when it was a large village known as Zancle (meaning “sickle”). During this time, Messana was part of the powerful Greek state known as Magna Graecia. Over time, Messana became a major port city during the Middle Ages and became an important trading post between Italy and Europe. It remains an important archaeological site today that provides insight into Ancient Greece’s influence on Sicilian culture.

Obverse: Hare bounding head of PAN
Reverse: Biga of mules driven left by city goddess Messana.

Diameter: 26 mm

Silver plated, made in the USA.
Packaged in a coin collecting flip with the description of the coin printed on the flip insert.