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Hemilitra
| Issuer | Messana (Sicily) |
|---|---|
| Year | 411 BC - 408 BC |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Head of the nymph Pelorias facing right, rendered in the archaic-to-early classical Sicilian style, her hair bound and elaborately dressed with curling locks falling about the neck. The effigy is modeled with fine detail characteristic of Sicilian bronze coinage of the early fifth century BC. The partial legend ΠΕΛΩΡΙΑΣ appears in the field, identifying the nymph. The flan is irregular and somewhat broad, typical of hammered bronze issues of this period. |
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| Obverse script | Greek |
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| Reverse description | A biga of mules (the celebrated Messanian mule-car motif rendered in abbreviated form) is replaced here by a tall, elaborately decorated rectangular object identified as a kithara or lyre, depicted frontally with two curved sound-holes, flanked on either side by two dolphins swimming outward and downward, their bodies curving gracefully around the lower field. A palmette or floral device is visible beneath the central motif. The partial legend ΜΕΣΣΑΝΙΟΝ appears to the left in the field, denoting the civic authority of Messana. |
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