SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Stater (22mm, 8.65 g, 2h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Near EF.

Triton XXVIII
Lot: 99.
Closing Date: Jan 15 2025 11:00 ET

Greek, Silver

Estimate: $ 1 500

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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. Click here for a video presentation on this collection.

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.

The final winners of all Triton XXVIII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 14-15 January 2025.

Triton XXVIII – Session One – Lot 1–287 will be held Tuesday morning, 14 January 2025 beginning at 9:00 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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