SICILY, Messana The Mamertinoi 220 to 200 BC, AE Pentonkion, 27.2 mm, 8.41gm

SICILY, Messana The Mamertinoi 220 to 200 BC, AE Pentonkion, 27.2 mm, 8.41gm

Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right.

Rev: ΜΑΜΕΡΤΙΝΩΝ, helmeted warrior advancing right, holding shield and spear; Π (mark of value) to right.

Ref: CNS I, 41, HGC 2, 853, SNG ANS 441, Sear 1144.

Some obverse dies of this issue place a control symbol behind the head, a star, crescent, or cornucopia, which fixes the sub-variety; none is legible here. This is the standard warrior-reverse pentonkion, distinct from the Ares and horseman type. The advancing warrior with shield and spear is the fighting man the Mamertini built their identity on, an Oscan mercenary band settled at Messana by force of arms.

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Sku# 2022c