Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus facing right, crescent moon behind.

Reverse: ΜΑΜΕΡΤΩΝ, Naked warrior advancing right, holding spear and large circular shield, Π in right field.

Sear: 1144. BMC: 2. 25. [Messana, Sicily, 220-200 BC].

Diameter: 28 mm. Weight: 10.9 g.

A beautiful large Greek bronze with an exquisite emerald green patina. Struck in Sicily under the rule of the Mamertini, a force of Oscan mercenaries who captured Messana in 288 BC. The local inhabitants were massacred, and the Mamertini ruled the city until the Roman period.