Sicily, Messana.
Drachm circa 445-439, AR 18 mm, 4.19 g. Charioteer driving walking biga r., holding reins; above, Nike flying r. crowning horse. In exergue, leaf with fruit. Rev. MEΣΣA – NION partially retrograde Hare springing r.; all within laurel wreath. Rizzo pl. XXV, 11 (this coin illustrated) Caltabiano 388.13 and 15 (listed separately, but both this coin). Jameson 651 (these dies). SNG Lockett 820 (these dies). SNG Lloyd 1111 (these dies).
A very rare variety of a rare issue, probably the finest of only five specimens
in private hands. Wonderful old cabinet tone and good very fine

Ex Hess-Leu 45, 1970, 48 sales.
Every single book has a few mistakes and Caltabiano is no exception. This specimen is indeed 388.15 (the one illustrated in Rizzo), nevertheless it is also listed as 13. Unfortunately, the provenances listed for 13 refer to a different coin- the one listed as number 8. To cut a long story short, the coin listed as number 13 should be deleted from the list, thus the specimens known of this die couple are 15 and not 16 and the coins in private hands are only 5 and not 6. It is important to note that the specimens of the whole issue (four different die couplings) in private hands are only 7 and the coin presented here is probably the finest.