Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVIII – Sessions 1-4 . 99 Numistats ref: 672590

No match
Greek Category
SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 8.65 g, 2h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet; ΣYPAKOΣIΩN to right. Pegasi 2; HGC 2, 1400; SNG ANS 494–507; SNG Lloyd 1442-3; Bement 528 (this coin); Dewing 930–1; Gillet 673. Lightly toned, traces of find patina, minor deposits. Near EF.


From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group inventory 903239 (August 2011); Clarence S. Bement Collection (Naville VI, 28 January 1923), lot 528.

By the early 4th century BC, Syracuse had become highly factionalized, and the political turmoil was taken advantage of by the Carthaginians. Eventually a delegation was sent by the Syracusans to Corinth to appeal to their mother city for help. Timoleon, from a prominent Corinthian family, was chosen to take control of Syracuse, drive the Carthaginian-backed government from power, and restore tranquility and prosperity to the great Sicilian city. In this endeavor Timoleon was successful, and his rule sparked a cultural and political revival. In contrast to most political strongmen of the age, termed tyrants, Timoleon never abused his power and abided by the limits of the democratic constitution he helped to create. After five years in power, he retired from public life, although his opinion was frequently sought and respected by his successors. His ascendancy is reflected in the city's coinage, including this beautiful gold quarter stater and the silver stater in the following lot. While superficially mimicking the popular Corinthian “Pegasi” circulating widely in Greece, the style, relief, and execution are all uniquely Syracusan.
Description
Near EF Grade
862.88 EUR Starting
1438.13 EUR Estimate
EUR Realized