SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 8.67 g, 9h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Superb EF.

CNG Feature Auction 124
Lot: 61. Estimated: $ 3 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 3 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SICILY, Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy. 344-317 BC. AR Stater (20mm, 8.67 g, 9h). Struck under Timoleon, 344-339/8. Pegasos flying left / Head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet. Pegasi 2; HGC 2, 1400. Lightly toned with warm golden luster around the devices. Superb EF. An exquisite, wonderfully detailed example.

Ex E. Hyrcyna Collection; Peus 392 (4 May 2007), lot 4206.

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 silver stater. 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 124 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 19-20 September 2023. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 19 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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