SICILY. Stiela. Circa 415-400 BC. Hemilitron (Silver, 9.5 mm, 0.75 g, 4 h). Head of a youthful river god to left; wearing a simple taenia and with water reed in the field to left. Rev. ΣΤΙ Forepart of a bearded man-headed bull, walking to left. Buceti 4. Campana, Stiela 5. De Luynes 1141. HGC 2, 1272. SNG ANS 1367. Very rare. Of remarkably fine workmanship for such a small coin and with a dark patina as found. About extremely fine.

From a collection formed in the Ticino prior to 2000.

Such small coins, in such fine style, were a tradition in Sicily, and must have been produced by the mint to order for wealthy citizens who paid for their issue. This was done so that an important citizen could use the coins as presents or donatives to bolster his popularity and honor among the populace.