SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AV 30 Litrai – Quarter Stater (11.5mm, 2.24 g, 12h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Good VF.

CNG Feature Auction 127
Lot: 46.
Closing Date: Sep 18 2024 11:00 ET

Greek, 12h, Gold

Estimate: $ 3 000

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SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AV 30 Litrai – Quarter Stater (11.5mm, 2.24 g, 12h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios left / Pegasos flying left; monogram to left, three pellets below. HGC 2, 1284; SNG ANS 493; SNG Lloyd 1440; Jameson 851; Rizzo pl. LVIII, 1 (all from the same dies). Compact flan. Good VF.

From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection. Ex Cederlind 148 (27 October 2008), lot 24.

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.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 127 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 17-18 September 2024. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 17 September at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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