Bertolami Fine Art
Auction 15 27 April 2015
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Sicily, Timoleon (344-336), Dilitron, Syracuse, c. 344-336 BC; AE (g 29,04; mm 30; h -); ZEYΣ EΛEYΘEPIOΣ, laureate and bearded head of Zeus Eleutherios l., Rv. Star with 8 rays. CNS II, -; SNG Copenhagen -; SNG ANS -.
Unique, green patina, tooled and smoothed, very fine.
This coin is probably the one specimen known with these types and it was struck during Timoleon's reign. In fact, on obverse there is the head of Zeus Eleutherios as in other dilitron of the Corinthian general (cfr., CNS II, 80) but on reverse there is a star with 12 rays, symbol of the Symmachia: the alliace of Greek cities and Italic People with Timoleon against the Cartaginians in Sicily. We have known the proof in lead in which there are for types the head of Arethusa and the star. Calciati describes that as a proof lead for a new bronze drachm, so and maybe this dilitron is the unique specimen known that adopted the Timoleon's emblem and the Symmachia's icon.
Unique, green patina, tooled and smoothed, very fine.
This coin is probably the one specimen known with these types and it was struck during Timoleon's reign. In fact, on obverse there is the head of Zeus Eleutherios as in other dilitron of the Corinthian general (cfr., CNS II, 80) but on reverse there is a star with 12 rays, symbol of the Symmachia: the alliace of Greek cities and Italic People with Timoleon against the Cartaginians in Sicily. We have known the proof in lead in which there are for types the head of Arethusa and the star. Calciati describes that as a proof lead for a new bronze drachm, so and maybe this dilitron is the unique specimen known that adopted the Timoleon's emblem and the Symmachia's icon.