SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. Æ Dilitron (26.5mm, 20.61 g, 12h). Timoleontic Symmachy coinage. 2nd series, circa 339/8-334 BC. Head of Zeus Eleutherios left, wearing laurel wreath; [ZEYΣ E-Λ]-EYΘEPIOΣ around / Horse rearing left; [ΣYPA]-K-OΣ[IΩ-N] around. Castrizio Series II, 1; CNS 80; HGC 2, 1439. Dark green patina, light deposits. Good VF. Attractive portrait.
In 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 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.
Among the new issues was this large bronze dilitron. The obverse features the head of Zeus Eleutherios (the Liberator), whose prominence in the series, appearing on multiple denominations from gold to bronze, clearly underscored the achievements of Timoleon. The free horse on the reverse, with its trailing rein, also evokes the idea of liberation and freedom from the oppressive rule of Hiketas. What is most unusual and definitive is the quality of the engraving executed on the dies of this issue. Until this time, the most skilled engravers appear to have been reserved solely for the precious metal coinage, but this bronze issue displays a highly refined style that is certainly on par with the finest art found on the silver and gold.
