288, Lot: 91. Estimate $150. Sold for $240. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. Æ Litra (18mm, 5.08 g, 4h). Struck circa 334-317 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Pegasos flying left; Δ below. CNS 85; SNG ANS 646-7. Good VF, dark green patina.

From the Greenpoint Collection.

By the early 4th century BC, Syracuse had become highly factionalized, and the political turmoil was taken advantage of by the Carthaginians, who supported Hiketas against their enemy, Dionysios I. Eventually a delegation was sent by the Syracusans to Corinth to appeal to their mother city for help. Timoleon was chosen to take control of Syracuse, drive the Carthaginian-backed government from power, and restore the tranquility and prosperity of the great Sicilian city. In this endeavor Timoleon was successful, and his rule sparked a cultural and political revival. This revival is reflected in the city's coinage, with the advent of many new types and denominations.