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Taras, Calabria, Italy, c. 240 - 228 B.C.
Taras, the only Spartan colony, was founded in 706 B.C. by the Partheniae ("sons of virgins"), sons of unmarried Spartan women and Perioeci (free men, but not citizens of Sparta). When they were forced to leave Greece, their leader, Phalanthos, consulted the oracle at Delphi and was told to make Taranto their home. They named the city Taras after the son of Poseidon and a local nymph, Satyrion. According to one legend, Phalanthos was rescued by a dolphin after a shipwreck near Delphi. Some descriptions of this and similar coin types identify the dolphin rider as Phalanthos. But Aristotle wrote that it was Taras, not Phalanthos, who was saved by a dolphin. On this coin the rider holds a trident, supporting Aristotle and suggesting he is the son of Poseidon. This symbol of the ancient Greek city is still the symbol of modern Taranto today.SH20278. Silver stater, SNG ANS 1262, HN Italy 1059, Vlasto 968 - 968, sharp gVF, toned, Taras (Taranto, Italy) mint, weight 6.554g, maximum diameter 20.4mm, die axis 315o, c. 240 - 228 B.C.; obverse warrior on horseback right, torso turned right, right arm extended, Nike above flying right crowning him, monogram behind, KAΛΛIKPA/TΗΣ in two lines below; reverse Taras (or Phalanthos) seated on a dolphin left naked, Nike in right hand, trident in left hand, NE monogram above dolphins tail, TAPAΣ below; ex Coin Galleries mail bid sale 11/21/69, #990; SOLD
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