SICILY. Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy, 344-317 BC. Stater (Silver, 20 mm, 8.04 g, 12 h). Pegasos flying left. Rev. ΣYPA[KO]ΣIΩN Head of Athena to right, wearing Corinthian helmet. Calciati 2. SNG ANS 496ff. A very attractive piece with a beautiful dark patina. Minor scratch on the helmet, otherwise, good very fine.


Timoleon was sent to Syracuse by Corinth to help its colony in a perilous war against Hiketas of Leontinoi and the Carthaginians. The general quickly defeated Hiketas. In 339, although greatly outnumbered, he won a remarkable victory over a Carthaginian army at the Crimissus river. Timoleon then established a new, democratic constitution in Syracuse and retired from public offices. It was during this time that Syracuse introduced a new type to its coinage - the Corinthian Pegasus - to honor the help it had received from the great Corinthian general.