Large gold coins are not especially common during the Greek period. The di-stater of Alexander III, the Great, is an obvious predecessor. Carthage also produced staters, just as Alesxander, but the larger denominations are stunning and scarce. This coin was stuck in c. 260 BC, at the beginning of the First Punic War at the Battle of Mylae. This defining conflict between Rome and Carthage marked a key victory for Romans who sought to gain control of Carthaginian territory in Sicily and part of southern Italy. Carthage lost 50 ships to Rome in the battle, a major loss for the superpower. These and other large gold coins were needed in order to woo troops into battle. The conflict with Rome lasted well over 100 years.