| Search results - "Calabria" |
11 viewsCALABRIA
TARENT
AR-Drachme, 302/280 v. Chr.; 3,22 g. Athenakopf r. mit attischem Helm, steinschleudernde Scylla als Helmzier//Eule r., r. Olivenzweig. Ravel, Vlasto 1047 ff.; Rutter, Historia Numorum 975. Sehr schön Exemplar der Sammlung Kochs. Ex: Dr. Eugen Nitsch, Auktion Adolph Hess Nachf. 236, Frankfurt am Main Monday, April 3, 1939, Nr. 69.paul1888
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Greek Italy, Magna Grecia.27 viewsApulia, Bruttium, Calabria, Campania, Lucania & Samnium.Christian T
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1dg Tetricus33 views270-273
AE antoninianus
Radiate draped bust, right, IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG
Virtus standing left with shield & spear, VIRTVS AVGG
RIC 148
According to the Historia Augusta: After Victorinus and his son were slain, his mother Victoria (or Vitruvia) urged Tetricus, a Roman senator then holding the governorship of Gaul, to take the imperial power, for the reason, many relate, that he was her kinsman; she then caused him to be entitled Augustus and bestowed on his son the name of Caesar. But after Tetricus had done many deeds with success and had ruled for a long time he was defeated by Aurelian, and, being unable to bear the impudence and shamelessness of his soldiers, he surrendered of his own free will to this prince most harsh and severe. . . . Aurelian, nevertheless, exceedingly stern though he was, overcome by a sense of shame, made Tetricus, whom lie had led in his triumph, supervisor over the whole of Italy,' that is, over Campania, Samnium, Lucania, Bruttium, Apulia, Calabria, Etruria and Umbria, Picenum and the Flaminian district, and the entire grain-bearing region, and suffered him not only to retain his life but also to remain in the highest position, calling him frequently colleague, sometimes fellow-soldier, and sometimes even emperor.Blindado
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AR Nomos of Kroton, Bruttium 500-480 BC11 viewsOBVERSE: KPO upwards on left, Tripod with legs terminating in lion's feet, heron standing left on right.
REVERSE: Incuse tripod.
A slightly chipped example. Bruttium was in the toe of Italy (Calabria). It is believed to have been settled by Greek colonists from Crotona, hence the KPO legend. The followers of the cult of Pythagoras resided here and the tripod/inverse tripod design may have been inspired by their ideas or, more likely, it depicts a trophy in Olympic events. The Greeks were mainly farmers then (and now) and were more attracted to homely themes like scenes from nature and sporting competition than philosophy as subjects on their coins.
SNG ANS 269 (5.99 gm) ex-Forvm Coinsdaverino
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AR Nomos of Taras (Tarentum) in Calabria ca. 275-240 BC27 viewsOBVERSE: A naked youth placing wreath on horse walking right. An indeterminate symbol between the horse's front legs and the bearded head of Poseidon below. The letter A is in the field behind the rider
REVERSE: Naked Taras astride dolphin left, holding kantharos. "TARAS" to the right
Weight 6.1 grams; diameter ~20 mmdaverino
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Bruttium Terina54 viewsHead of ninph left
TEPI
Crab; above crescent.
Terina; c. 350-275 BC
4.01g
Rare
HNItaly 2646; SNG ANS 889.
Beautiful glossy black/brown patina
Ancient Terina was located on the north shore of the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, about 20 km (12 mi) from Lamezia Terme in Calabria, Italy.Jay GT4
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Calabria Taras, 340/325, Stater35 views7,74 g, ca. Magistrate Ar... und Ka... Ephebe with wreath on horseback, above it floating Nike / Taras with Kantharos and Chlamys on dolphin over waves. Vlasto 502; Fischer-Bossert 718.
Very rare and very fine.Leo
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CALABRIA (Apulia), Taras, c. 470-465 BC. AR Drachm56 views(14mm, 3.20g, 3h).
Forepart of hippocamp r.; pecten below. R/ Diademed head of Satyra r. Vlasto 157-9; HNItaly 839; SNG ANS 846. Rare, Good FineLeo
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Calabria - Tarentum34 viewsAR diobol
320-228 BC
O - Helmeted head of Athena right
R - Hercules fighting the Nemean lion
mauseus
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Calabria - Tarentum46 viewsCalabria - Tarentum
AR-Diobol
Obv.: Helmeted head of Athena left
Rev.: Heracles strangling Nemean lion
Ag, 1.20g, 12.1mm
Ref.: Pausanias V, 25, 8shanxi
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Calabria Italy Taras on Dolphin92 viewsTaras, Calabria, Italy, Silver nomos, Taros mint, 272 - 235 BC, 20.3mm, 6.375g, 0o axis, Vlasto 877 ff., SNG ANS 1197 ff., HN Italy 1033
OBV: Nude youth on horseback right, shield and two lances in left hand, spear pointed downwards in right, DI above left, API-STI/KL-HS below
REV: TARAS, Taras astride dolphin left, kantharos in right, trident in left, head of a nymph left behind; typical tight flan
The reverse depicts Taras, the son of Poseidon and of a local nymph,
Satyrion, being saved from a shipwreck by riding a dolphin sent to him by Poseidon.
This symbol of the ancient Greek city is still the symbol of Taranto today.
EX: Forum Ancient Coins
Romanorvm
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Calabria Italy Taras on Dolphin21 viewsTaras, Calabria, Italy, c. 272 - 240 B.C., Silver nomos, Unpublished(?); Vlasto 932 var. (different controls), SNG ANS 1239 var. (same), HN Italy 1044 var. (same), SNG Cop -, BMC Italy -, VF, 6.520g, 19.7mm, die axis 180°,
OBV: Nude warrior wearing crested helmet on horse standing left, holding shield on left arm, horse raising right foreleg, ET (control) before horse, API-ΣTΩN below divided by horse's left foreleg;
REV: Taras on dolphin left, kantharos in extended right hand, trident nearly vertical in left, ΓY (control) behind upper right, TAPAΣ below;
Very Rare variant. EX: Forum Ancient Coins
Taras, the only Spartan colony, was founded in 706 B.C. The founders were Partheniae ("sons of virgins"), sons of unmarried Spartan women and Perioeci (free men, but not citizens of Sparta).
These out-of-wedlock unions were permitted to increase the prospective number of soldiers (only the citizens could be soldiers) during the bloody Messenian wars. Later, however, when they were no longer
needed, their citizenship was retroactively nullified and the sons were obliged to leave Greece forever. Their leader, Phalanthus, consulted the oracle at Delphi and was told to make the harbor of Taranto
their home. They named the city Taras after the son of Poseidon, and of a local nymph, Satyrion. The reverse depicts Taras being saved from a shipwreck by a dolphin sent to him by Poseidon.
This symbol of the ancient Greek city is still the symbol of modern Taranto today.
SRukke
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Calabria Nomos92 viewsAR Nomos
Helmeted warrior on horse left, holding shield ornamented with eight-rayed star & two spears behind him
Dionysiac Taras astride dolphin left, holding distaff & grape-bunch
Calabria, Tarentum
ca 281-272 BC
5.58g
Vlasto 789 (SNG ANS 1133)
Ex-Calgary coins
SOLD!Jay GT4
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CALABRIA TARAS Nomos. Circa 425-415 BC.71 views23 mm 7,39 g.
Obv: Phalanthos, right arm outstretched and holding shield on left arm, riding dolphin left; cockle shell below.
Rev: Nude male figure, holding bird in his extended left hand and spindle in his right, seated right on himation draped over a stool.
Fischer-Bossert 270a; Vlasto 235-6; HN Italy 844; SNG Lloyd 140; BMC 78; SNG Newcastle 19; Boston MFA 59; de Luynes 286; Gulbenkian 24; McClean 558.
near VF
RareLeo
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CALABRIA Taras, 302/280, Nomos15 views7.80 g.
Naked boy on horse to r., crowning the horse. In field l. ΣA, beneath APE/ΘΩN. Rev. TAPAΣ Taras on dolphin to l., holding tripod in r. hand. CAΣ beneath.
Vlasto 666. Rutter, Historia Numorum 957. Extremely fine.Leo
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Calabria Tarentum 18 viewsAR Diobol
12mm, 1.02 grams
Circa 334-302 BC
Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with Skylla
Herakles standing right, strangling Nemean lion.
SG 351; BMC 352.
JBGood
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Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 281-272 BC 21mm 6.47 g Vlasto 73639 viewsNaked boy on horse walking left,being recived by a naked male figure standing left,crowning the horse API-ETI-N in three lines beneath the horse,in field to right,monogram.Rev Taras on dolphin right holding bow and arrows,beneath elephant.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 344-340 BC 22 viewsDifferent reverse dies share same obverse die Fischer-Bossert group 48,680 R527-R528Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 344-340 BC 20 viewssame obverse die Fischer-Bossert group 48,680 V259Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 344-340 BC 22mm 7.18g 5h 66 viewsHelmeted warrior standing facing,head right,holding spear and shield,behind horse standing right,before horses forelegs l.Rev TAPAE Phalanthos riding dolphin left,holding trident and shield,below A and waves.
ex Hanbery .
ex Frank Kovacs 1990Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 473-460 BC 7.52 g 47 viewsOecist seated left holding distaff and scepter.Rev Taras on dolphin right with extenden arms,shell below.
EX Superior 5-30-95 lot 7023.
EX Lewis Egnew.ex Numismatic Fine Arts 10-18-1990 The Lawrence M.Cutler collection,lot 8
Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 500-473 BC 20mm 7.68g 6h 31 viewsTaras retrograde,Taras riding dolphin right with cuttle fish in right hand,left hand extended.Rev Taras retrograde, hippocamp flying right,cockel shell below.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Diobol40 viewsObv: Helmeted head of Athena right, helmet decorated with Skylla.
Rev: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion.
Date: Circa 380 - 325 BC
Diam: 11.9mm
Weight: 1.3goa
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Calabria Tarentum AR Diobol circa 325-280 BC 12mm 0.98g 10h 58 viewsHelmeted head of Athena right,wreath on helmet.Rev Herakles standing right facing left,strangling the Nemean lion,quiver to lower left ,club to lower right.
Very rare issue with wreath helmet,and Herakles standing right of lion.
EX Thomas Cederlind 165 8-1-12 lot 11
EXPeus 396 11-5-08 lot 26
EX Heidelberger Munzhandlung 28,11-12-99 lot 18Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Drachm151 viewsHead of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned with Skylla preparing to hurl a stone
Owl standing to right on olive branch, head facing; ZOR (magistrate) to right, TAP to left.
3.07g
Circa 281-276 BC.
Vlasto 1048. McGill 135, Cote 348, Sear 367v. Jay GT4
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos 18mm 6.48g 6h 240-228 BC124 viewsWarrior on horseback rearing right holding crowning Nike in right hand,and reins in left.Monogram to left in two lines KANNIK PATHE.Rev Phalanthos riding dolphin left holding crowning Nike and cradling trident,monogram to right.
Vlasto 963-70,HN Italy 1059. EX Elvria Elisa Clain Stefanell collection,known as the Demarete collection.
Period of Roman AllianceGrant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 240-228 BC 21mm 6.37 g 10h48 viewsOlympis Magistrate,warrior brandishing javelin,on horse gelloping right wreath to left Olympis below.Rev Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos and cornucopiae,tripod to right. Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 272-235 BC 18 mm 6.19 g 6h24 viewsNaked boy rider crowning horse standing left, and lifting off foreleg,EY above horse.Rev TAPAE in field under Taras astride dolphinto left,holding trident in left hand and with right hand extending small wreath bearing Nike,in field to right bunch of grapes with small leaf.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 272-240 BC 19mm 6.23g 7h42 viewsYouth on horseback right,crowning horse and holding rein,behind,Nike flying right,crowning youth,APIETO/KPATHE in two lines below.Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding cornucopia and trident,herm to right.
From the Kallman collection,EX Pegasi auc 19 lot 34, 11-18-08 Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 280 BC 20mm 7.93g 12 h60 viewsWarrior wearing shield on left arm and holding spear,on horse prancing left,to left Nike standing facing restraining horse.Rev Phalanthos wearing shield{ inscribed E} and holdingtwo spears,standing astride dolphin left,ZOP to left,waves below.
From the Kallman collection,purchased from Colosseum coin exchangeGrant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 302-280 BC 20mm 7.96g31 viewsNude youth on horseback right crowning horse,behind and above EA, in two lines below APE-O?N.Rev Taras riding dolphin left holding tripod in right hand below AE-TAPAE.
This group,Evans,Period 6 is the last before the reform reducing the weight of the nomos.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 334-330 BC 23 mm 7.70g 2h12 viewsNude youth on horseback right crowning self,EA and Ionic capital below.Rev Phalanthos holding snake and whip,on dolphin left,KON below.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 340-335 BC 22.5mm 7.45g 12h 34 viewsYouth on horseback right,crowning horse,below youth removing stone from horses hoof.Rev Phalanthos shield on arm,holding kantharos and trident,riding dolphin left,E and waves below.
A very charming typeGrant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Nomos circa 344-340 BC 21mm 7.49g 8h42 viewsWarrior,wearing helmet and holding spear and shield,standing facing,head right,behind horse standing right,to right l-.Rev Phalanthos holding trident and shield,riding dolphin left,below, A above waves.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR nomos circa 344-340 BC22mm 7.18g Vlasto 51816 viewsHelmeted warrior standing facing,head right holding spear and shield,behind horse ./Phalanthos riding dolphin left,holding triton and shield below A above waves.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Stater 7.30g24 viewsNaked Ephebos crowning horse right.Rev Taras astride dolphin right.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Stater circa 280-272 BC 20 mm 6.46 g 12 h66 viewsThe Dioskouroi on horseback riding left,monogram above.Rev Phalanthos astride dolphin left,holding shield ,two spears,and crowning Nike.Waves below.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum AR Stater circa 340-335 BC 23mm 7.87g 1h37 viewsNude youth on horseback right,holding rein in left hand,crowning horse with wreath held in right hand,to left Nike flying right placing fillet on head of youth.AP below.Rev Phalanthos nude riding sideways on dolphin right,head turned slightly left,spearing cuttlefish below with trident held in right hand,KA monogram to left.TAPAE to right,all encircled by waves.Grant H
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Calabria Tarentum Drachm Athena and Owl47 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum, Circa 280 - 272 BC, AR Drachm, 17mm, 2.85g, 10h, Neumenios - magistrate, Vlasto 1062-3, HN Italy 1015
OBV: Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with Skylla
REV: NEYMHNIOΣ to left, Owl standing right, head facing, on olive branch, API to right
EX: CNG electronic auction, 270 lot 5
Romanorvm
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Calabria, Taras15 viewsCalabria, Taras; 235-228, Didrachm, 6.44g. Vlasto-947, (Same obverse die).
Obv: Naked rider on a horse with spear galloping right, Rx: Taras on dolphin left, holding kantharos.area of flat strike and light corrosion. VFLeo
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Calabria, Taras53 viewsAR Didrachm
c. 330-302 BCE (Period V)
O: Naked warrior in crested helmet riding horse right, spearing downward with right hand, shield and two extra spears in left; ΔΑΙ below.
R: Naked ephebe riding dolphin left, holding trident over right shoulder, shield decorated with hippocamp in left; ΦΙ to left, ΤΑΡΑΣ to right, murex shell below.
Vlasto 594; Cote 239; Evans V, B5; Fischer-Bossert 1022a; HN Italy 935; SNG ANS 991. Salaethus
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Calabria, Taras (c. 344-340 B.C.), Silver Stater.86 views8.03g., 2h
Naked youth on a horse pacing right, crowning the horse with a wreath held in his extended right hand, K(KAA?) and an upright club below the horse, rev. TAP-A-Σ, Phalanthos riding on a dolphin left, holding a kantharos in his extended right hand, and a trident and a shield in his left, Ω below dolphin's tail, waves below.
Fischer-Bossert, Group 49, 685 (V260/R532); Vlasto 509 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 173 (these dies); SNG ANS 960; HN Italy 887. An exceptional example, well-struck from fresh dies and perfectly centred on a flan of good metal, extremely fine and most attractive.
From Sovereign Rarities (2018)
The "K" or "KAL" engraver was one of the finest Greek masters working in the 4th century. His work though rare, can also be found on coins from Heraklea, Metapontion, and Thouroi.Leo
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Calabria, Taras Ar Nomos57 views(272-240 BC) Apollonios, magistrate.
Obv.: Warrior on horseback holding shield and spear.
Rev.: Taras riding dolphin, holding trident; Nike above crowning him; waves below.
Vlasto 894-898. HN Italy 1038.Minos
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. c. 430-425 BC24 viewsNude horseman galloping l. / Dolphin rider r., l. hand extended; shell below. Vlasto 286 Fischer-Bossert 219 b (dieses Expl.) ; SNG ANS 864; 7.70 g.Leo
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC.26 views6.56g, 21mm, 11 h
Zopyrion, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback to right, ΖΩΠΥΡΙΩΝ below; below forelegs, ΣΩ above bukranion / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding hippocamp in extended right hand, trident against left arm; monogram and mask of Silenos right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 941; HN Italy 1054.
Extremely Fine; a beautiful reverse composition. Very Rare.Leo
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 281-240 BC.12 views6.50g, 20mm, 2h.
Nikokra- and N-, magistrates. Nude horseman galloping right, brandishing spear in right hand, shield and two spears on left arm; N behind, NIKO-KΡA in two lines below.
Taras, nude, astride dolphin to right, holding crested helmet with both hands; TAΡAΣ behind, Ionic capital below.
Vlasto 883; SNG ANS 1203.
Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Very Rare.Leo
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 281-270 BC.12 views7.85g, 23mm, 6h.
Rider dismounting from horse left, holding spear and shield; EY in right field, [NIK]ΩΝ below horse
Taras seated astride dolphin left, holding barley ear in right hand and resting left on dolphin's back; API before, TAPAΣ behind, spearhead below.
Vlasto 701-3; HN Italy 969; SNG ANS 1078.
Extremely Fine; lustrous metal. Leo
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 390-385 BC.79 viewsNude warrior on horseback left, holding reins in right hand, small round shield on left arm; A below / Taras astride dolphin left; P and ΤΑΡΑΣ below. Vlasto 379ff; HN Italy 869; SNG ANS 900. 6.98g, 23mm, 8h.
Good Fine.Leo
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 425/420-380 BC. 6 views7.56g, 22mm, 5h.
Taras astride dolphin right, extending left arm; Π in left field, TAPA[NTINΩNHMI] around.
Nude youth on horse galloping right, holding reins with left hand.
Vlasto 264; HN Italy 848; Evans IB.1.
Good Fine; old cabinet tone. Extremely Rare, only two other examples on CoinArchives.Leo
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Calabria, Taras Didrachm127 viewsNaked youth galloping right on horseback left, crowning horse with right hand, monogram ΣY in field behind youth and ΛΥK INOΣ below horse
Taras seated on dolphin left, holding chalmys and thrusting trident in right hand, owl behind TAPAS in Exergue
Calabria 272-235 BC
6.62g
Vlasto 836
Ex-Pars Coins
Ex-Calgary CoinsJay GT4
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Calabria, Taras didrachm78 viewsHorseman riding left, holding shield and bridle.
Taras seated on dolphin left TAPAΣ beneath.
Tarentum, Calabria 390-385 BC
7.40g
Scarce
Vlasto 384, Period III, 380-345 BC (Age of Archytas); ; Fischer-Bossert 428, gives date of 390-380 and corresponds to SNG ANS 901.
Ex-Calgary Coin; Ex-Alberta Coin;
Tarentum, the only Spartan colony ever to be established, was founded in 706 BC by the Partheniae - Spartan children born to unmarried women as a product of Spartan desperation to ensure the survival and continuation of their demographic during the bloody Messenian wars, who were later disowned and expelled by the state - and Perioeci (subjects, but not citizens of Sparta), under the leadership of the Parthenian Phalanthos. According to legend, Phalanthos consulted the oracle at Delphi, and was told that he should found his new city 'where rain fell from a clear sky'. After much searching, and despairing of finding a suitable location for a city, Phalanthos was consoled by his wife Aethra who laid his head in her lap, and as her tears splashed upon his forehead he understood the oracle's words for his wife's name itself meant 'clear sky', and thus he determined to make the nearby harbour the site of their new home, which they named after Taras, the son of Poseidon and the nymph Satyrion.Jay GT4
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Calabria, Taras Didrachm 272-235 BC154 viewsYouth on horse standing left with monogram N below, holding wreath above its head.
Taras holding Nike & trident, on dolphin left, TAPAΣ to right API-ΣTO below.
Calabria, Taras
250 BC
21 mm, 6.7gm
Ref: SNG-Cop-923, Vlasto 873v
Ex-Imperator Coins
New photo!Jay GT4
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Calabria, Taras Drachm circa 280-27234 viewsAR 16mm., 3.21g. Head of Athena l., wearing helmet decorated with Skylla. Rev. Owl standing r. on thunderbolt, with open wings. Vlasto 1077. Historia Numorum Italy 1018.
Attractive old cabinet tone, Good Very Fine.Leo
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Calabria, Taras Nomos circa 500-48038 viewsAR 19mm., 8.03g. Oecist riding dolphin r., extending arms; below, shell. Rev. Hippocamp l. Vlasto 132. Historia Numorum Italy 827.
Toned, Very Fine/Good Very Fine.Leo
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Calabria, Taras Obol14 viewsCirca 325-280, AR 7.5mm., 0.27g. Calabria, Tarentum, Obol (?) circa 325-280, AR 6mm, 0.27g. Cockle shell. Rev. Dolphin swimming r.; below, thunderbolt. Vlasto 1506. SNG Copenhagen 1038. SNG France 2152. Historia Numorum Italy 979 (litra ?).
Rare, Toned and Extremely Fine.Leo
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Calabria, Taras, (c.520-473 B.C.), AR-Litra, HN Italy 831, -/-//Scallop-shell, TAPA (retrograde), Dolphin, below, Scallop-shell,123 viewsCalabria, Taras, (c.520-473 B.C.), AR-Litra, HN Italy 831, -/-//Scallop-shell, TAPA (retrograde), Dolphin, below, Scallop-shell,
avers: Scallop-shell, linear border.
reverse: TAPA (retrograde), Dolphin, below, Scallop-shell, linear border.
exergue: -/-//Scallop-shell, diameter: 9,0-10,2mm, weight: 0,63g, axes: 6h,
mint: Calabria, Taras, date: c.520-473 B.C., ref: HN Italy 831, Vlasto 1136, Cote 102,
Q-001quadrans
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Calabria, Taras, 272-240 BC, AR Nomos24 views6.47g, magistrate Aristokles, nude rider holding spear on horseback galloping right, rev. Taras riding dolphin left, holding trident, nymph's head in field (Vlasto 877), well centred on an irregular flan, otherwise attractively toned in recesses, very fine or better.Leo
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Calabria, Taras, 425-415 BC, Oecist Nomos39 views7.99g. Fischer-Bossert-279 (V127/R212), Vlasto-255.
Obv: Phalantos naked and ithyphallic riding dolphin left; extending right hand and holding cuttlefish in left hand.
Rx: Oecist naked to waist, seated left on stool and balancing distaff on right hand, a lekythos on his left wrist.
Ex Gemini XII, 11 January 2015, lot 13. Ex NAC 10, 9 April 1997, lot 17. Ex M&M Basel 10, 1951, lot 161. With interesting and unusual types: Phalantos holds cuttlefish on obverse, while on reverse Taras(or Oecist?) is shown seated rather than on horseback. Nicely centered and well struck, except for Phalantos' head on obverse; rare; beautifully toned. EF
The distaff is a very common symbol on Tarentine coins. It may be an allusion to the very important wool industry and the wool-trade Tarentum was famous for.Leo
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CALABRIA, TARAS, AR 1/6 Stater or diobol, 500-480 BC 26 viewsweight 1,25gr. | silver Ø 11mm.
obv. Dolphin right, cockle-shell below
rev. Hippocamp right, TAPA (retrograde) above
BMC 55 | cf. Vlasto 1132 | Côte 34 | cf. SNG.Copenhagen 783 |
cf. SNG.Paris 1612 | cf. Historia Numorum, Italy 829 | Sear 227 R
Rare cointype in an attractive condition.
vfLeo
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CALABRIA, Taras, AR Nomos72 viewsCirca 280-272 BC. (21.5mm, 6.28 g, 10h). Warror, holding shield and two spears, on horse galloping left; ZΩ to right, [A]ΠOΛΛΩ below / Phalanthos, holding grape bunch and distaff, astride dolphin left; ANΘ to left. Vlasto 797; HN Italy 1013. VF, toned.Leo
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CALABRIA, TARAS, AR Obol - 4th century B.C.40 viewsweight 0,55gr. | silver 10mm.
obv. Female head right, surrounded by serpents
rev. Kantharos, 5 dots arround, TA above
BMC 431var. | SNG.Copenhagen- | Historia Numorum- |
SNG.Paris 2082 | SNG.München- | Jameson 131 | Vlasto 1216 RR
a very rare and intriguing cointype
vfLeo
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CALABRIA, Taras, c. 272-240 BC. AR Nomos 38 views6.57g, 3h
Nude rider on horse standing to left, crowning his horse; to right, ; below, .
Rev. Phalanthos, nude, riding on dolphin to left, holding Nike with his right hand and trident with his left; to right, bunch of grapes.
Evans VIII A, 10. HN III 1026. SNG Paris 2006 ff. Vlasto 842-4.
Extremely fine.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras, c. 280-228 BC. AR Hemiobol8 views6mm, 0.24g
Two crescents back-to-back; two pellets around. R/ Two crescents back-to-back; two pellets around.
Vlasto 1758-9; cf. HN Italy 1077. VFLeo
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CALABRIA, Taras, c. 385-380 BC. AR Nomos (Contemporary Imitation)37 views21mm, 7.47g, 9h
Nude youth on horseback l., crowning horse with wreath; pellet to l., A below. R/ Phalanthos riding dolphin l., holding kantharos. Cf. Vlasto 413-4; cf. HNItaly 875; SNG Fitzwilliam 257; Fisher-Bossert N 71. Corrosions, VFLeo
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CALABRIA, Taras, c. 415-400 BC. AR Nomos (Contemporary Imitation)37 views20mm, 5.35g, 9h
Nude youth on horseback right, placing wreath on the horse's head; caduceus before.
TARAS, Taras astride dolphin right, left hand extended, right hand at side.
Vlasto 320-1
VF – silver deeply black plated, with green spots where the copper core give up.
In consideration of the artistic quality of the dies, observe in detail the horse head on the obverse.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras, Circa 315-302 BC. AR Nomos59 views21mm, 8.04 g, 11h
Warrior, preparing to cast spear held aloft in right hand, holding two spears and shield with left hand, on horse rearing right; Ξ to left, API below / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and cradling oar in left arm, riding dolphin left; KΛ to left, TAPAΣ to right. Fischer-Bossert Group 74a, 914 (V357/R709); Vlasto 638; HN Italy 939; SNG ANS 1016 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd –; BMC 208 (same dies); Pozzi 123 (same obv. die). Very rare in this quality. Excellent style. Beautiful patina. Extremely fine.
Ex Hess-Divo 329 (17 November 2015), lot 6; Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 15.
The obverse of this nomos depicts an example of the mercenary cavalrymen for which Taras became famous in the Hellenistic period. The Tarentine cavalryman is believed to have been the first mounted warrior of the Greek world to carry a shield. This novelty made him popular in the armies of Hellenistic kings and led to the training of cavalrymen in the Tarentine style.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras, Nomos, ca 450 - 440 BC13 views8.00g
Obv: Phalantos with arms outstretched on dolphin n. R. Including shell.
Rev: Beardless man in a hip coat sits on a stool, holding a spindle in his right and resting his left hand on the edge of the chair. The whole in a laurel wreath.
Vlasto 178 (stgl.); Fischer-Bossert 138b (this copy).
Fine toned and rare.
Ex Peus Nachf., Frankfurt, Auction 277, 1971, 3. Bought at Leu, Zurich, on 14.8.1972.Leo
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Calabria, Taras, Nomos, Vlasto 696 87 viewsSilver Nomos
Obv:– Warrior on horseback right thrusting spear downward with right hand, holding two spears and shield in his left hand ; ΣΙ behind , ΔAKINMOΣ below.
Rev:– [TARAS] , Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding dolphinin right hand , cradling cornucopiae in left arm. [ΔΑ below]
Minted in Calabria, Taras from .c. 302 - 280 B.C. Magistrate Dakinmos
Reference:– Vlasto 696 ; SNG ANS 1071maridvnvm
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Calabria, Taras, Nomos, Vlasto 85337 viewsSilver Nomos
Obv:– Naked boy-horseman prancing right, crowning horse with right, AGAQA/RCOX below.
Rev:– Taras naked seated on dolphin left, extending kantharos in right, cornucopia in left, TARAS below, race torch behind
Minted in Calabria, Taras from .c. 270 - 240 B.C.
Reference:– HN Italy 1028, Vlasto 853, SGCV I 375 var
Slabbed by ICG - EF40
Ex-Forum
Photographed through slab. Still deciding whether to free it from the tomb.maridvnvm
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Calabria, Taras, Nomos, Vlasto 87727 viewsSilver Nomos
Obv:- Nude warrior on horseback right, holding shield and two lances in left hand, spear pointed downwards in right; API-STO/KL-NS below, DI behind.
Rev- Taras astride dolphin left, holding kantharos in right hand and trident in left; head of a nymph behind.
Minted in Calabria, Taras from .c. 272 - 235 B.C.
Reference:– Vlasto 877maridvnvm
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Calabria, Taras, Nomos, Vlasto 89181 viewsSilver Nomos
Obv:– Helmeted, nude warrior riding on horse right, transverse spear in right hand, large round shield behind, [ΦI before], ΦHRAE / ΛHTWΣ below.
Rev:– [T_A_RAS], Taras astride dolphin left, holding flower & cornucopiae; EI monogram & thymiaterion behind
Minted in Calabria, Taras from .c. 272 - 235 B.C. Pheraeletos as magistrate
Reference:– Vlasto 891 ???, SNG ANS 1209???. HN Italy 1037maridvnvm
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Calabria, Taras.53 viewsSilver Nomos (6.64 g), ca. 272-240 BC.
Sy… and Lykinos, magistrates. Youth on horseback left, crowning horse with wreath; behind and below in two lines, magistrate's names: ΣY and ΛYKI/NOΣ. Reverse: TA-PAΣ, Phalanthos riding dolphin left, hurling trident; behind, owl standing left, head facing. Vlasto 836; HN Italy 1025. Gorgeous iridescent toning. Superb Extremely Fine. Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. 380-334 BC. AR Diobol. ex Vlasto collection.5 views0.83 gm
Horse galloping / Taras on dolphin.
Vlasto.1229. SNG.ANS.1356. Toned VF, some corrosion.
Rare. ex Vlasto collection.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. 450-440 BC. AR Nomos37 views7.71g
Taras seated left on dolphin, both arms extended, cockle shell below, Greek ΔEM scratched in field in ancient times // Dionysius male figure, naked to waist, seated, holding distaff & scepter, large die-break noticeable at the bottom of the distaff, Fine.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. 460-420 BC. AR Nomos10 views7.79 gm
Taras riding dolphin, scallop shell below / Horseman galloping. Vlasto.288. Toned aVF. Scarce early issue.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. c. 400-390 BC. AR Nomos24 views21mm, 7.67g, 6h
Warrior, wearing helmet, holding shield and lance, dismounting from horse cantering l. R/ Phalanthos, holding helmet and large oval shield, on dolphin l.; Σ below. Vlasto 297; HNItaly 849. VFLeo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Campano-Tarentine series. Circa 281-272 BC. AR Nomos27 views20mm, 7.07 g, 4h
Diademed head of Satyra left / Nude youth on horseback right, crowning horse with wreath; TA to left, dolphin below. Vlasto 1012–4; HN Italy 1098. VF.
"The Campano-Tarentine series dates to around the middle of the 3rd century BC, and are usually said to have been struck somewhere in Campania or Lucania. The type displays not the usual horseman and dolphin rider combination, but instead the obverse is occupied by a nymph resembling those on the coinage of Neapolis. Furthermore, the coins are struck on the standard not of Tarentum, being 0.8 grams lighter on average, but of those cities on the west coast of Magna Graecia, hence the credence given to this theory. However, the question of where these coins were struck and which region they were intended for, was addressed by J.G. Milne (An Exchange-Currency of Magna Graecia), who convincingly argues that it was more likely they were produced in Tarentum for circulation in or trade with the Greek cities of Bruttium, and that they should therefore be properly referred to as Bruttio-Tarentine coinage."Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 240-228 BC. AR Nomos8 views18mm, 5.94 g, 6h
Kallikrates, magistrate. Warrior riding right, head facing, extending right hand to receive crowning Nike, flying right; monogram to left, magistrate’s name in two lines below
Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding trident and Nike; NE monogram to right.
Vlasto 964; HN Italy 1059. VF, darkly toned, some marks under tone.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280 BC. AR Nomos39 views(22.5mm, 7.74 g, 1h).
Youth on horse galloping right; EY to left, NIKOΔAMO[Σ] below / Phalanthos, holding kantharos and distaff, riding dolphin left; ZOP and gazelle below. Vlasto 704; cf. HN Italy 970/958. Near EF, deep iridescent tone, a hint of porosity. Well centered on a broad flan.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280 BC. AR Nomos31 views21mm, 7.82 g, 2h.
Warrior on horse galloping left, holding shield; ΦIΛΩ (retrograde) below / Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding small Nike; waves below. Vlasto 684 (same obv. die); HN Italy 964. VF, toned.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280-228 BC. AR Diobol4 views11mm, 0.89 g, 11h
Head of Athena facing slightly left, wearing triple crested helmet / Herakles strangling the Nemean lion; club and shield to left, AP monogram between legs.
Vlasto 1463; cf. HN Italy 1062. Near VF, toned, a few marks, compact flan.
From the AG Collection.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280-228 BC. AR Obol22 views10mm, 0.46 g, 6h
Horse head right / Horse head right; race torch to right. Vlasto 1723; HN Italy 1075. Good VF, old cabinet toning.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280-272 BC. AR Nomos10 views19.5mm, 6.46 g, 2h
Youth on horseback right, crowning self; ZΩ to left, ZAΛO and Ionic capital below / Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding aphlaston and distaff; ANΘ to right.
Vlasto 804; HN Italy 1014. Good VFLeo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 320-315 BC. AV Sixth Stater – Diobol16 views9.5mm, 1.41 g, 11h
Head of Apollo left, wearing laurel wreath; [ΣA] and dolphin to left, TAPAΣ to right
Herakles, raising club overhead in right hand, preparing to strike the Nemean lion as it attacks him from the right; bow and quiver to left, |-H below.
Fischer-Bossert G14 (V11/R14); Vlasto 27; HN Italy 951; SNG ANS 1034; SNG BN 1492–3; SNG Copenhagen 834; SNG Lloyd 186; Boston MFA 73 = Warren 36; Hunterian 20; Jameson 161; McClean 599 (all from the same dies). Good VF.
Apollo was worshipped as the patron of colonists at Tarentum, and he was also the patron of the revered Pythagorean religious order at Tarentum, which existed until the late fourth century. The reverse motif of Herakles fighting the Nemean lion was also used on contemporary silver diobols of Tarentum and its colony Herakleia, though the silver issues usually chose the "tondo" scene of a crouched Herakles wrestling the Nemean lion with a stranglehold (a design also used on the Syracusan gold 100 litrae issue of Dionysios I).Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 325-281 BC. Stater19 viewsSilver, 20mm, 7.78 g 1
Nude rider on horse prancing to right, holding round shield, two lances, and spear; ΣIM below. Rev. TAPAΣ Phalanthos seated astride dolphin to left, holding spindle over his left shoulder; before, eagle standing right; below, ΦI and waves. SNG ANS 982 ( same dies ). Vlasto 576 ( same dies ). Good very fine.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 333-331/0 BC. AR Nomos98 views19.5mm, 7.70 g, 2h
Warror, preparing to throw spear and holding shield and two more spears, on horse rearing right; [|- to left], Λ to right, KAΛ and Δ below / Phalanthos, holding crested Phrygian helmet, astride dolphin right; stars flanking, API below. Fischer-Bossert Group 60, 770–3 var. (V303/R– [unlisted rev. die]); Vlasto 543–4 (same obv. die); HN Italy 896. Good VF, toned, a little off center. From fine style dies.
On this coin we see the rider on horseback exercising his martial prowess, galloping forward and preparing to thrust a javelin into an object which the viewer does not see. On his far side he carries a round shield and two additional spears. The reverse depicts the dolphin rider facing to the right, holding a helmet of Phrygian design with cheek guards and a long, sweeping crest. Two stars in the fields flank the dolphin rider, and should perhaps be interpreted as alluding to the Dioskouroi and thus to Sparta. If so, then the design should be seen in light of the ill-fated expedition of the Spartan king Archidamos III. In 343/2 B.C. at the request of the city’s leading citizens, the Spartan king arrived with a fleet and soldiers in order to help the Tarentines to repel incursions by their Italic neighbors, notably the noisome Lucanians to Tarentum’s north and west. He was subsequently killed during the fighting, and the dolphin rider here may be thought of as mourning the slain Spartan king.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 340-335 BC. AR Nomos5 views23mm, 7.87 g, 1h
Nude youth on horseback right, holding rein in left hand, crowning horse with wreath held in right hand; to left, Nike flying right, placing fillet on head of youth; AP below.
Phalanthos, nude, riding sideways on dolphin right, head turned slightly left, spearing cuttlefish below with trident held in right hand; KA monogram to left, TAPAΣ to right; all encircled by waves.
Fischer-Bossert Group 54, 717 (V267/R561); Vlasto 498 (same dies); cf. HN Italy 886; SNG ANS –; SNG Copenhagen 822 (same obv. die). VF, lightly toned. Struck from artistic dies on a broad flan. Very rare issue, only ten examples noted by Fischer-Bossert.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 355-340 BC. AR Nomos14 views7.86g.
Obv: Nude horseman r., shield behind him; T below horse. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Taras astride dolphin l. over waves, holding one-handled vase; Π below.Test mark at 5:00.
Fischer-Bossert-672, Vlasto-448.
Small contact mark behind dolphin's eye. EF
Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Tritemorion(?)8 views 0.47 g
Female head left / Three crescents facing outward around central pellet.
Vlasto 1139 (this coin); HN Italy 924.
Near VF, toned, cleaning marks. Apparently unique.
From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII.4 (August 2000), no. 2874; M.P. Vlasto Collection, 1139; Nervenga Collection (Sambon, 18 November 1907), lot 381.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 385-340 BC. AR Nomos9 views19 mm, 7.51 g, 6 h
Nude ephebe on horse standing right, crowning horse with wreath / TAPAΣ, Phalanthos astride dolphin left.
Fischer-Bossert grp. 31a, 446 (V197/R340); Vlasto 350-1 (same dies); SNG ANS 890 (same dies); HN Italy 868.
Minor porosity on the fields. Very fine.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 400-390 BC. AR Nomos31 views20mm, 7.93 g, 2h
Youth on horse galloping right; tiny Λ below / Phalanthos, holding torch, riding dolphin left.
Fischer-Bossert Group 26, 361.2 (V164/R283) = Vlasto 338 (this coin); HN Italy 850. Old collection tone, small edge test cut, a few marks on edge, struck from worn dies. VF.
Ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection. Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 415-405 BC. AR Nomos11 views22mm, 7.88 g, 9h
Nude rider seated right on horse, which he crowns; kerykeion to right, ΛA in exergue / Phalanthos, nude, extending his hand, riding dolphin right.
Fischer-Bossert Group 21, 297 (V134/R229); Vlasto 320–1 (same dies); HN Italy 851; SNG Copenhagen 803 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 150 (same dies); SNG Lockett 351 (same dies); Hirsch 190 (same dies); Dewing 137 (same dies).
Even light gray tone, with iridescence around the devices, a few marks under tone on obverse, light scuffs under tone and die flaw on reverse. Near EF. Very rare.
From the Matthew Curtis Collection. Ex William N. Rudman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1040.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 450-380 BC. AR Trias14 views6.5mm, 0.19 g, 11h
Large T; three pellets (mark of value) around / Large T; three pellets (mark of value) around, small P to lower right.
Vlasto 1193; HN Italy 853. Good VF, toned. Very rare.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 470-465 BC. AR Nomos14 views18.5mm, 8.05 g, 7h
Taras, nude, raising left hand and supporting himself with his right, riding dolphin right; TARAS (retrograde) to left, scallop shell below / Head of nymph (Satyra?) left in linear circle within concave incuse. Fischer-Bossert Group 5, 91b (V41/R60) = Vlasto 140 (this coin, illustrated in both references); HN Italy 838; Berlin 65 (same dies). VF, old cabinet tone, a few marks.
From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex M. L. Collection of Coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015), lot 4; A. D. Moretti Collection; Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 575; Hess-Leu [11] (24 March 1959), lot 5; Kricheldorf IV (7 October 1957), lot 26; Münzen und Medaillen AG VIII (8 December 1949), lot 696; Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 244.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 500-490 BC. AR Nomos33 views8.03 g, 9h
Taras riding dolphin right, holding cuttlefish, left hand extended / Hippocamp left; cockle shell below. Fischer-Bossert 27 (V12/R21); Vlasto 115 (same obv. die); HN Italy 827; McClean 533. VF, minor roughness.
In the time this coinage was produced Tarentum was a monarchy, as it had been since its foundation. Though we have little information concerning the early governance of Tarentum, the monarchy was probably modelled on the one ruling over Sparta. According to Herodotus (iii, 136) a certain king Aristophilides ruled over the city in this period.
Since the arrival of the Greeks in the region in the late 8th century BC, a long-running series of skirmishes appears to have taken place between the Tarentines and the indigenous Iapygian tribes (Messapians, Daunians and the Peucetii) who controlled the interior of the Apulian peninsula. Tarentine expansion was therefore limited to the coast because of the resistance of these populations, a situation reflected in their coinage types which are predominantly marine in character.
In c.490 BC the Messapians moved against the Tarentines with a composite force of around 8,000 men including shield infantry, skirmishers, and their skilled cavalry. The Tarentines meanwhile fielded 4,000 citizen hoplites and 1,000 light infantry in support, as well as a combination of light and sword-wielding cavalry. Outside the walls of their city the Tarentines withstood the initial skirmishing and the Messapian charge; despite the superiority of the Messapian cavalry and being greatly outnumbered on foot, the Tarentines appear to have represented their Spartan heritage well in this battle, and were able to claim victory and a temporary respite from the Iapygian attacks. After this defeat the Iapygians would not challenge Taras again for nearly twenty years, but in 473 when they would again come against the Tarentines, they would come in overwhelming numbers.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 510-500 BC. AR Incuse Nomos11 views8,03 g; 24 mm; 11 h
Phalanthos riding dolphin right, extending left arm, holding dolphin with right hand; crowning Nike to left; shell below
Rv. Incuse of obverse, but ethnic in relief.
HNItaly 826; Vlasto 68. The first issue of Tarentine coinage. Very rare. Lightly toned and in fine archaic style, extremely fine.
I got this great piece from an auction last fall and it was the most important acquisition for me.
Taras incuse stater is more compact and thicker than Kaulonia and Sybaris incuse stater. It was dibble (or triple) striked and the details were hard to detect. We can found slight trace on the Taras’s head and his left hand. I believe this is the reason that the pattern looks very sharp while the high points (such as dolphin’s eyes and tail ) are flat.
Dating from the late sixth century, this nomos shows Phalantus naked, riding a dolphin, expressing a motif destined for popular success in the coins of Taras: the dolphin brings Phalantus safe and sound across the sea (also evidenced by the presence of a pecten in the lower field of the coin), and conveys him to Italy, according to the dictate of the Delphic oracle. We learn from the Periegesis of Greece of Pausania (II cent. A.D.) that statues of Taras, Phalantus, and Phalantus’ dolphin (cf. Paus. X 13) were among the votive offerings (anathemata) presented to Delphi by the Tarantines with a fifth of the spoils taken from the Peucetii and the Iapygians. The reverse has the same representation as the obverse, in incuse, using a well-known technique of early coinage that was deployed at many other Southern Italian cities besides TarasLeo
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Calabria, Taras. Fouree half stater.20 viewsCalabria, Taras. C4TH BC. half a fouree stater, AR plated around a significant AE core.
I guess whoever cut this coin wasn't too impressed to find it a forgery!
Obverse: Naked youth on horseback with spear
Reverse: Taras on dolphin, wreath 9mintmark?)CANTANATRIX
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Calabria, Taras. From Sir Arthur Evans Collection23 viewsc. 240-228 BC. AR Nomos, 6.39g (10h). Obv: Naked youth riding horse at full gallop right, holding torch behind him; in field to left monogram HPAK; below, ΔΑΙΜΑΧΟC. Rx: ΤΑ - ΡΑC in field under Taras astride dolphin left holding trident in left hand and kantharos in right; in field to right, monogram ANΔPE. Vlasto 938 (this coin). Evans, Tarentum (1889), p. 194, pl. X. 1 (this coin). Ex Vlasto Coll. 938, pl. XXX. From the Sir Arthur Evans Collection.Leo
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CALABRIA, Taras. Litra44 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 470-450 BC. Litra (Silver, 9mm, 0.80 g 6).
Scallop shell. Rev. Head of nymph to left. HN III 840. Vlasto 1162. A beautiful little coin, nicely toned. Good very fine.
Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein 29, 28 January 1992, 7.Leo
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Calabria, Taras. Silver Nomos (5.92 g), ca. 240-228 BC.44 viewsXenokrates, magistrate. Dioskouros on horseback left, head facing, raising hand and holding rein; in right field, TP monogram and pileos; in two lines below, magistrate's name: [Ξ]E-NOKPA/T-HΣ. Reverse: TAPAΣ, Phalanthos riding dolphin left, head and torso facing, holding trident and lifting drapery; in right field, monogram; below, waves and cuttlefish. Vlasto 955-7; HN Italy 1058. Toned. Choice Very Fine.
The Hanbery Collection; Purchased privately from F. Kovacs in the 1980sLeo
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Calabria, Taras; AR Nomos. Circa 430-380 BC.11 views7.40g, 23mm, 9h.
Nude youth on horseback left, crowning horse with wreath and holding small round shield / Taras astride dolphin right, hurling trident (?) downwards to right; TAPAΣ upwards to left. Vlasto 342; HN Italy 850.
Very Fine. Lightly toned. Rare early type.Leo
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Calabria, Taras; c. 302-281 BC, Stater18 views7.73g. Vlasto-699, HN Italy-968. Obv: Youth on horseback galloping l., holding small shield behind him, EY behind, NIKOTTAΣ below. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ, Taras astride dolphin l. hurling javelin, trident on shoulder; ΛY behind, hippocamp below.Leo
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Calabria, Taras; c. 302-281 BC, Stater12 views7.82g, 20mm, 3h.
Si... and Deinokrates, magistrates. Warrior, preparing to cast spear held in right hand, holding two spears and shield in left, on horse rearing right; [ΣI] to left, [ΔEINOKPATHΣ] below / Taras, holding small dolphin, astride dolphin left; TAPAΣ behind.
Vlasto 692-3; HN Italy 967. Leo
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Calabria, Taras; c. 332-302 BC, Stater33 views7.88g. Vlasto-651, HN Italy-941. Obv: Youth on horseback r. crowning horse. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ, Taras astride dolphin l., holding palm branch; helmet behind.. Choice VFLeo
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Calabria, Taras; c. 332-302 BC, Stater24 views7.70g. Vlasto-585, HN Italy-934. Obv: Youth on horseback r., stabbing downward with spear held in r. hand, two spears and round shield held behind him; ΣA below. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ, Taras astride dolphin l., holding distaff, prow below.Some porosity in reverse field. VFLeo
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Calabria, Tarent, Athena, Herakles27 views11mm, 0.75g
obv: bust of Athena, wearing Atthic helmet adorned with Scylla right
rev: Herakles wrestling with the Nemean lionareich
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CALABRIA, Tarentum186 viewsTaranto was founded in 706 BC by Dorian immigrants as the only Spartan colony, and its origin is peculiar: the founders were Partheniae, sons of unmarried Spartan women and perioeci (free men, but not citizens of Sparta); these unions were decreed by the Spartans to increase the number of soldiers (only the citizens of Sparta could become soldiers) during the bloody Messenian Wars, but later they were nullified, and the sons were forced to leave. According to the legend Phalanthus, the Parthenian leader, went to Delphi to consult the oracle and received the puzzling answer that he should found a city where rain fell from a clear sky. After all attempts to capture a suitable place to found a colony failed, he became despondent, convinced that the oracle had told him something that was impossible, and was consoled by his wife. She laid his head in her lap and herself became disconsolate. When Phalanthus felt her tears splash onto his forehead he at last grasped the meaning of the oracle, for his wife's name meant clear sky. The harbour of Taranto in Apulia was nearby and he decided this must be the new home for the exiles. The Partheniae arrived and founded the city, naming it Taras after the son of the Greek sea god, Poseidon, and the local nymph Satyrion. A variation says Taras was founded in 707 BC by some Spartans, who, the sons of free women and enslaved fathers, were born during the Messenian War. According to other sources, Heracles founded the city. Another tradition indicates Taras himself as the founder of the city; the symbol of the Greek city (as well as of the modern city) is Taras riding a dolphin. Taranto increased its power, becoming a commercial power and a sovereign city of Magna Graecia, ruling over the Greek colonies in southern Italy.
In its beginning, Taranto was a monarchy, probably modelled on the one ruling over Sparta; according to Herodotus (iii 136), around 492 BC king Aristophilides ruled over the city. The expansion of Taranto was limited to the coast because of the resistance of the populations of inner Apulia. In 472 BC, Taranto signed an alliance with Rhegion, to counter the Messapii, Peuceti, and Lucanians (see Iapygian-Tarentine Wars), but the joint armies of the Tarentines and Rhegines were defeated near Kailìa (modern Ceglie), in what Herodotus claims to be the greatest slaughter of Greeks in his knowledge, with 3,000 Reggians and uncountable Tarentines killed. In 466 BC, Taranto was again defeated by the Iapyges; according to Aristotle, who praises its government, there were so many aristocrats killed that the democratic party was able to get the power, to remove the monarchy, inaugurate a democracy, and expel the Pythagoreans. Like Sparta, Tarentum was an aristocratic republic, but became democratic when the ancient nobility dwindled.
However, the rise of the democratic party did not weaken the bonds of Taranto and her mother-city Sparta. In fact, Taranto supported the Peloponnesian side against Athens in the Peloponnesian War, refused anchorage and water to Athens in 415 BC, and even sent ships to help the Peloponnesians, after the Athenian disaster in Sicily. On the other side, Athens supported the Messapians, in order to counter Taranto's power.
In 432 BC, after several years of war, Taranto signed a peace treaty with the Greek colony of Thurii; both cities contributed to the foundation of the colony of Heraclea, which rapidly fell under Taranto's control. In 367 BC Carthage and the Etruscans signed a pact to counter Taranto's power in southern Italy.
Under the rule of its greatest statesman, strategist and army commander-in-chief, the philosopher and mathematician Archytas, Taranto reached its peak power and wealth; it was the most important city of the Magna Graecia, the main commercial port of southern Italy, it produced and exported goods to and from motherland Greece and it had the biggest army and the largest fleet in southern Italy. However, with the death of Archytas in 347 BC, the city started a slow, but ineluctable decline; the first sign of the city's decreased power was its inability to field an army, since the Tarentines preferred to use their large wealth to hire mercenaries, rather than leave their lucrative trades.
In 343 BC Taranto appealed for aid against the barbarians to its mother city Sparta, in the face of aggression by the Brutian League. In 342 BC, Archidamus III, king of Sparta, arrived in Italy with an army and a fleet to fight the Lucanians and their allies. In 338 BC, during the Battle of Manduria, the Spartan and Tarentine armies were defeated in front of the walls of Manduria (nowadays in province of Taranto), and Archidamus was killed.
In 333 BC, still troubled by their Italic neighbours, the Tarentines called the Epirotic king Alexander Molossus to fight the Bruttii, Samnites, and Lucanians, but he was later (331 BC) defeated and killed in the battle of Pandosia (near Cosenza). In 320 BC, a peace treaty was signed between Taranto and the Samnites. In 304 BC, Taranto was attacked by the Lucanians and asked for the help of Agathocles tyrant of Syracuse, king of Sicily. Agathocles arrived in southern Italy and took control of Bruttium (present-day Calabria), but was later called back to Syracuse. In 303 BC-302 BC Cleonymus of Sparta established an alliance with Taranto against the Lucanians, and fought against them.
Arnold J. Toynbee, a classical scholar who taught at Oxford and other prestigious English universities and who did original and definitive work on Sparta (e.g. The Journal of Hellenic Studies, vol. xxxiii 1913 p. 246-275) seemed to have some doubts about Tarentum (Taranto) being of Spartan origin.
In his book The Study of History vol. iii p. 52 he wrote: "...Tarentum, which claimed a Spartan origin; but, even if this claim was in accordance with historical fact..." The tentative phrasing seems to imply that the evidence is neither conclusive or even establishes a high degree of probability of the truth that Tarentum (Taranto) was a Spartan colony.
CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 302-281 BC. AR Drachm (17mm, 2.91 gm). Helmeted head of Athena right, helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone / Owl standing right head facing, on olive branch; Vlasto 1058; SNG ANS 1312; HN Italy 1015. VF.
Ex-Cng eAuction 103 Lot 2 190/150ecoli
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CALABRIA, Tarentum49 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Diobol (12mm, 1.02 g, 10h). Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with hippocamp / Herakles standing right wrestling Nemean lion, club behind. Vlasto 1273-4; HN Italy 914.TLP
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CALABRIA, TARENTUM73 views315 - 302 BC
AR DIDRACHM (NOMOS) 22 mm 7.84 g
O: Naked horseman galloping with lance and shield, SA beneath
R: TARAS Taras, with trident, riding dolphin; small dolphin below
Calabria, Tarentum
VLASTO 625laney
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CALABRIA, TARENTUM58 views315 - 302 BC
AR DIDRACHM (NOMOS) 22 mm 7.84 g
O: Naked horseman galloping with lance and shield, SA beneath
R: TARAS Taras, with trident, riding dolphin; small dolphin below
Calabria, Tarentum
VLASTO 625 laney
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CALABRIA, Tarentum23 viewsAR didrachm or nomos, 20mm, 8.0g, 6h; c. 302-290 BC.
Obv.: Nude, helmeted warrior on horseback right, holding shield and two spears, thrusting spear downward; ΔAI below.
Rev.: Taras riding dolphin left, holding shield decorated with hippocamp and trident; ΦI to right, murex shell below, [TAPAΣ] to right.
Reference: Vlasto 594, SNG ANS 990, HN Italy 935 / 16-410-375John Anthony
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Calabria, Tarentum80 viewsPunic occupation half shekel
Nude youth on horseback to left, crowning horse with wreath; IΩ to right, ΣΩΓENHΣ below
Taras astride dolphin to left, holding cornucopiae and Nike who crowns him with wreath; TAPAΣ below.
Calabria, Tarentum ; Punic occupation, circa 212-209 BC
AR Reduced didrachm or Half-Shekel.
2.69g chipped otherwise VF+
Vlasto 975-7; HN Italy 1079.
Ex-ANE
Rare!
The climax of the Carthaginian invasion of Italy was reached when Tarentum changed sides in 212 BC. The takeover of the city was a carefully planned coup by Hannibal and members of the city's democratic faction who opened the gates to Hannibal's army. The Carthaginians failed to take the citadel, but subsequent fortifications around this enemy stronghold enabled the city to remain under Punic control. Hannibal installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.Jay GT4
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Calabria, Tarentum (Taras) Circa 302-228 BC. AR Obol139 viewsCALABRIA, TARENTUM (TARAS) CIRCA 302-228 BC.AR OBOL (11 mm/0.50 gm) Kantharos Dolphin Var.
Kantharos flanked by two stars / Kantharos, dolphin right. Vlasto 1651 var. 11 mm. 0.50 gm.b70
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CALABRIA, Tarentum AR Diobol52 viewsHelmeted head of Athena right, helmet decorated with three rosettes
Herakles kneeling on right leg, strangling the Nemean lion.
Tarentum Calabria
Circa 325-280 BC
0.78g
Vlasto 1372; SNG ANS 1444; HN Italy 976.
Ex-ANEJay GT4
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Calabria, Tarentum AR Nomos89 views(315-302 BC). Sl- and K-, magistrates.
Obv.: Warrior on horseback right, holding shield and spear, preparing to throw spear; ΣA below.
Rev.: Phalanthos, holding kantharos and trident, on dolphin left; K to left; below, dolphin left.
Vlasto 607.Minos
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CALABRIA, Tarentum AR Obol57 viewsKantharos; five pellets around
Kantharos; five pellets around.
Tarentum, Circa 280-228 BC.
8.5mm 0.53 g
Vlasto 1655-6; HN Italy 1076.
Ex-CNG 381 Lot 13; Ex-Steve P Collection
Jay GT4
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CALABRIA, TARENTUM, 302-280 BC86 viewsDidrachm, 22mm, 7.86g
O. Jockey on horse sprinting r.
R. Taras std on dolphin l, holding distaff & kantharos
Alexan Magistrate
Vlasto 697
Ex Washington Numismatic GalleryAZRobbo
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Calabria, Tarentum, 334-330 BC, AR Didrachm 64 viewsNaked horseman crowning himself on stationary horse right, small ΣA and large Ionic capital beneath.
Taras holding sea snake and whip astride dolphin facing left, KO in lower right.
Fischer-Bossert group 75, 960-973; HN Italy 941-942; SNG ANS 1026; Vlasto 654-8; Evans V, E1 and McGill II, 57-58.
(20 mm, 12h).
Spink & Son Ltd, July 1988.n.igma
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Calabria, Tarentum, c. 480-470 BC. AR Hexas9 views4mm, 0.13g
Cockle shell. R/ Wheel of four spokes. Vlasto 1118; HNItaly 836. Rare, Good VFLeo
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Calabria, Tarentum.19 viewsCalabria, Tarentum. 500-480 BC. AR Nomos (8.18 gm). Taras (Phalanthos) riding dolphin l., arms outstretched, cockle shell below, TAPA∫. / Hippocamp left. gVF. CNG 72 #73. SNG ANS 840; Fischer-Bossert group 7, 109b (V56/R71, 34 specimens known); Hermitage I 45; Hirsch 81; HN Italy 827; SNG Lloyd 117-118; SNG Cop 776; Vlasto 133 Ward 21 (all from same dies). cf HGC 1. 753.Christian T
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Calabria, Tarentum.16 viewsCalabria, Tarentum. 3002-280 BC. AR Drachm (2.97 gm). Head of Athena r. in Attic helmet ornamented with Skylla hurling stone. / Owl stdg r., head facing, club and IOP to r. VF. Bt. Herakles Numismatics, 2011. SNG ANS 1307; Vlasto 1054; HNItaly 975; HGC 1 823; SNG Cop 955.Christian T
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Calabria, Tarentum.14 viewsCalabria, Tarentum. 280-272 BC. AR Nomos (6.58 gm). Youth on horseback r., crowning himself. ꞮΩ behind, ꞮAΛO (magistrates Zo-, Zalo-, and An-) and Ionic capital below. / Taras (Phalanthos) on dolphin l., holding distaff and aphlaston; ANΘ behind; TAPAΣ below. gVF. Ex. CNG Web Auction #1213202540. SNG ANS 1142ff; HN Italy 1014; HGC 1 888; SNG Cop 898-899; Vlasto 803ff.Christian T
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Calabria, Tarentum.18 viewsCalabria, Tarentum. 281-272 BC. AR Nomos (6.51 gm) of Apulia. Boy on hoseback l., stg figure to l., crowning horse. ΓΥ in field to r., ΑΡΙ ΣΤΙ Π below to l. / Taras (ecist) on dolphin r., holding bow and arrow. Elephant in field to r., ΔΙ to l. VF. Bt. Coral Gables 2000. SNG ANS 1003; SNG Cop 883-884; HN Italy 1000; Vlasto 736; Sear 370.Christian T
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Calabria, Tarentum.13 viewsCalabria, Tarentum. 332-302 BC. AR Didrachm (7.63 gm). Helmeted horseman as armed ephebus r., raising spear, with two spears & shield behind. ΔAΙ below. / Taras or Phalanthos riding dolphin l. w/ trident & shield decorated with hippocamp, TAPAΣ to r., ΦΙ to l., murex shell below. nVF. Bt. Gables Coin, 1998. SNG ANS 990-993; Fischer-Bossert group 77, 1035; HN Italy 935; HGC 1 801; SNG Cop 845-846; SNG France 1820-3; Vlasto 594-596.Christian T
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Calabria, Tarentum.36 viewsCalabria, Tarentum. 334-330 BC. AR Didrachm (7.78 gm). Helmeted horseman advancing r. with spear, holding shield and two spears; below magistrate ΦIΛI (Phili c. 290-281). / Taras (Phalanthos) on dolphin l., holding distaff and dolphin; ΦI to l. , ivy-leaf & TAPAΣ to r. , waves below. EF. Pegasi 121 #40. Ex Vlasto coll. SNG ANS 988-989 (same obverse die); Vlasto 589; HN Italy 934 (2); HGC 1 800; SNG Cop 842; Fischer-Bossert 1090.Christian T
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Calabria, Tarentum. c281-272 BC109 viewsAR Drachm. 17mm. 3.2 gms.
Helmeted head of Athena left; helmet decorated with skylla hurling a stone / TARANTINWN, owl standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread; SW right.
Vlasto 1068ffDino
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CALABRIA, Tarentum. ca 281-209 BC. Æ 15mm.33 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. ca 281-209 BC. Æ 15mm. Scallop shell / TAPAN right, Taras astride dolphin left, holding kantharos in right hand, cornucopiae in left. Vlasto 1840; BMC 479; SNGCop 1085.ancientone
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Calabria, Tarentum. Ca. 280-228 B.C. AR litra48 views10.8 mm, .59 g, 11 h
Cockle-shell / Dolphin right; elephant below.
HN Italy -; SNG ANS -; Vlasto -.
Nice VF. Apparently unpublished control mark. "Leo
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CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC.35 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC. AR Nomos (20mm, 6.48 g, 9h). Warrior on horseback right, holding shield and spear; DI above; APO[LL/WNIOS] in two lines below / Phalanthos riding dolphin left, head facing with flowing chlamys around left arm, holding trident in right hand; crowning Nike to left; waves below. Vlasto 894-898; HN Italy 1038. LustrousMark R1
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CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. AR Nomos62 views19mm, 6.45 g, 4h
The Dioskouroi riding left; monogram above, [ΣΩ]Δ-A-M-O-Σ below
Phalanthos, nude, holding two spears, shield decorated with hippocamp, and Nike, who crowns him with wreath, riding dolphin left; ΠY to left, waves below.
Vlasto 773; HN Italy 1011. Good VF, toned, compact flan. Well centered.Leo
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CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 344-340 BC. AR Nomos10 views21mm, 7.77g, 3h
Warrior, wearing helmet and holding shield, on horseback r.; |- below. R/ Phalanthos, holding kantharos, on dolphin l.; below, Π above waves. Vlasto 448; HNItaly 890. Graffiti and small metal-flaw on rev., VFLeo
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CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 380-325 BC. 148 views
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.11 g, 9h). Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with hippocamp / Herakles wrestling the Nemean lion; club to left, K between Herakles’ legs. Vlasto 1254-7; HN Italy 914. VF, toned.
From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection.
CNG 211, Lot: 62. CGPCGP
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Calabria, Tarentum. Time of Hannibal, c. 212-209 BC. Nomos54 views3.98gg. (5h). Obv: Naked youth on horseback right, holding reins and carrying filleted palm; ΣΩKAN - NAΣ below. Rx: Taras astride dolphin left, holding aphlaston in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; eagle standing with wings spread behind; TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 984. HN Italy 1082. SNG ANS 1272. Perfectly struck; Mint State.
Ex Philip T. Ashton Collection. Ex Berk 130, 6 January 2003, lot 81.
Hannibal used the region around Tarentum and Metapontum as winter quarters during his occupation of southern Italy. He installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.Leo
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Calabria,Taremtum. AR nomos 7.6gm32 viewsVlasto 661 / 302-281 BC
obv: nude youth on horseback, crowning horse.
rev:Taras on dolphin holding tripod,CAS belowhill132
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Calabria. Taras circa 455 BC. Nomos AR28 views20mm., 8,11g.
[TAΡAΣ], Taras on dolphin right, both hands extended; pecten and octopus below / Phalanthos seated right on diphros draped with a fleece, holding kantharos in right hand, spindle in left.
very fine
Vlasto 169; SNG ANS -; McClean 549.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. 332-302 BC. AR nomos37 views7.90g.
Obv: Naked youth on horseback r., crowning horse, AΠH below. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Nude Taras astride dolphin l., holding out kantharos in r. hand, Φ behind.
Fischer-Bossert-1138 (V422/r880), Group 81.
Rare, fewer than ten recorded. Not in Vlasto or Evans.. Near Mint StateLeo
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CALABRIA. Taras. 425-380 BC. AR nomos57 views6.26 gm
Nude ephebe cantering left, holding bridle with both hands, ΛΕ (retrograde) beneath horse / TARAS, dolphin rider right, wielding trident and pointing with left hand.
HN Italy 850. Vlasto 319 (same dies).
Porous. Edge bump (8:00 obverse) and reverse scratches. Good very fine.
The aristocratic Tarentines were especially proud of their reputation as first-rate horsemen, and the coinage of Tarentum mirrors this pride by displaying all manner of equestrian showmanship. Some of the riders appear in full armor, and those must be cavalrymen in battle, but most appear nude: those riders are surely taking part in the various races and games that the aristocrats loved so much. One of the more dangerous, and most prestigious, of the races was the kalpé. In this form of race the rider would, at a certain stage, slide off his horse and, while holding the reins, run along side. The Tarentine staters show several stages in the process. On this coin we see the very beginning: the rider places his left hand on the horse’s rump and has moved his right hand from the right to the left side of the his horse’s head. On the next lot we see him moving his right leg up over the horse’s back; on other coins (not here) we see both legs stretched out on the left side of the horse just before the rider leaps to the ground. For a short discussion of this event see Sport, p. 79. The actual process of getting off the horse was termed apobates. There are many examples of the initial stages of the apobates to be found in this rich collection.Leo
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Calabria. Taras. c. 240-228 BC. Nomos30 views6.57g.
Obv: Hippokontist in close fitting lorica hurling javelin on horseback. ΟΛΥΜΠΙΣ beneath horse; wreath in left field.
Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Taras on dolphin holding cornucopiae and kantharos; tripod to his left.
Vlasto Coll. 943 (same dies). HN Italy 1055. EF.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Ca. 332-302 BC. AR stater20 views22mm, 7.80 gm, 6h
Youth riding horse r., crowning horse; at l., flying Nike holding wreath, below the horse, ΣIM, Rv. TAPAΣ, oecist riding dolphin l., holding kantharos and trident; below, |-HP and waves.
Vlasto 498-507; HNItaly 886; SNG Copenhagen 823;" SNG ANS -.
Cabinet tone, minor scratches.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Ca. 332-302 BC. AR stater19 views21mm, 7.75 gm, 8h. NGC XF 5/5 - 2/5.
Sa-, Her- and Hr, magistrates. Warrior on horseback rearing right, shield and two spears in left hand, preparing to cast a third in right; ΣA below / ΤΑΡΑΣ, Taras astride dolphin right, bow and arrows outward in left hand, spear forward in right; ?HP and HP monogram below.
HN Italy 938. Vlasto 626-33.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Ca. 380-334 BC. AR stater18 views21mm, 7.79 gm, 1h
NGC XF. Ephebos, naked but for helmet, carrying long spear and large round shield, standing to front behind bridled horse, horizontal T before / TAPAΣ, Taras holding trident and round shield seated sideways on dolphin swimming left over stylized waves, A below.
Vlasto 518 . HN Italy 889. Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 290-281 BC. Stater30 viewsSilver, 21 mm, 7.95 g, 3 h
ΣA Nude rider on horse prancing to right, holding whip.
Rev. TAPAΣ / ⊢H Phalanthos seated astride dolphin to left, holding kantharos; behind, caduceus.
Fischer-Bossert 803-805 (V402/R816). HN III 947. Vlasto 665 (same obverse die).
A particularly elegant coin. Reverse struck slightly off-center. Extremely fine.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 302-280 BC. Nomos38 viewsSilver, 22 mm, 7.82 g, 9 h
Nude rider on horse galloping to right, stabbing with spear held in his right hand and holding two other spears and shield with his left; below, ΣΑ.
Rev. ΤΑΡΑΣ Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding kantharos in his right hand and trident with his left; to left, K; below, dolphin.
HN Italy 937. Vlasto 607. Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 325-280 BC. Diobol17 viewsSilver, 11.5 mm, 1.13 g, 3 h
Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a wing.
Rev. Herakles kneeling to left with his head and body turned to right, holding his club in his right hand and the Nemean lion with his left; in the exergue, E. Cf.
HN III 976 & Vlasto 1364.
A toned example with an interesting depiction of Herakles's struggle with the lion. Rough areas on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 340-335 BC. Nomos12 views22 mm, 7.75 g, 1 h
Nude youth riding horse walking to right; before, nude youth restraining or comforting it; above, Nike flying right to crown the rider; below horse, Z.
Rev. TAPAΣ Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding jug in his right hand and resting his left on the dolphin; to upper right, K.
HN Italy 892. Vlasto 527. A lovely and interesting issue. Very fine.
Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 365-355 BC. AR Nomos 53 views21 mm, 7.89 g, 2 h
Youthful nude jockey riding horse standing right; to right, bearded herm left; below horse, TH. Rev. TAΡ[AΣ] Phalantos, with wild flowing hair, riding dolphin left, holding oinochoe in right hand. Fischer-Bossert 564b (this coin). Vlasto 410 (same obverse die). Beautifully toned and of fine style. Minor areas of flatness, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Prof. Langlotz Collection, Auctiones AG 23, 17-18 June 1993, 185.
This is a particularly charming depiction of the hero Phalanthos, with wild waving hair and an impish smile, indicating how much he is enjoying the dolphin ride.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 380-340 BC, Nomos14 viewsA very rare didrachm or nomos from Tarentum
Silver, 21 mm, 7.73 g, 1 h
Nude warrior, holding bridles with his right hand and carrying small round shield with his left, about to dismount from horse to left; below horse, Λ; all within circle of waves. Rev. TAPAΣ Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding trident in his right hand and placing his left on the tail of the dolphin; all within circle of waves.
Fischer-Bossert 629. HN Italy 885. Vlasto 497.
Very rare. An unusual issue of splendid style. Very fine.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 470-465 BC. Drachm20 viewsSilver, 16 mm, 4.01 g, 6 h
TAPAS (retrograde) Forepart of hippocamp to right; below, scallop shell.
Rev. Diademed head of Satyra to right, her hair tied in a bun at the back; behind neck A.
HN III 839. Vlasto 155.
Very rare early variety; toned. Very fine.
From the Vineyard Collection, ex Numismatica Ars Classica M, 20 March 2002, 2033.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Drachm (Circa 272-240 BC).13 viewsObv: Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone.
Rev: NIKOKPATHΣ / TA.
Owl standing right on Ionic capital.
Vlasto 1097.
Condition: Extremely fine.
Weight: 3.1 g.
Diameter: 13 mm.Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Intervention of Pyrrhus, Ca. 280-272 BC. AV half-stater16 views15mm, 4.25 gm, 3h
Head of young Heracles right, wearing lion skin headdress, paws tied before neck.
TAPANTINΩN, Taras driving biga right, trident in right hand, reins in left; NIKAP above, two amphorae between horse's forelegs.
HN Italy 985. Vlasto 32 (same dies). Fischer-Bossert G 31g.
Ex Harlan Berk, Buy or Bid Sale 76 (23 February 1993)Leo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Obol (Circa 280-228 BC).22 views9mm, 0.64g, 7h
Kantharos; five pellets around. R/ Kantharos; V to l., five pellets around.
Cf. Vlasto 1628; HN Italy 1076.
Toned, VFLeo
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CALABRIA. Taras. Time of Pyrrhus (ca. 280 BC). AV 10th stater30 views11mm, 0.85 gm, 5h
Head of young Heracles right, wearing lion skin headdress / TAPAΣ, Taras astride dolphin left, holding cantharus in extended right hand and trident cradled in left arm.
Vlasto 43. SNG ANS 1401. HN Italy 992.
Very rare! Exceptionally well struck and pleasing, with reddish tone in deep recesses.Leo
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Calabria. Tarentum. (Circa 332-302 BC)37 viewsAR Nomos (21 mm, 7.76 g)
Obverse: Warrior, preparing to cast spear held in right hand, holding two spears and shield in left, on horse rearing right; ΣA below
Reverse: Taras, holding kantharos in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm, astride dolphin left; AP to left, TAPAΣ (Taras) to right; below, small dolphin left.
Vlasto 614-20; HN Italy 937. Nathan P
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Calabria. Tarentum. Ar Didrachm. C. 272-240 BC. SCARCE. 78 viewsObv; Nude youth on horseback.
Rev; Taras astride dolphin; owl behind.
SNG Ans 1165ff.
Good silver and surfaces.
6.53g.
19mm.
Ex Den of AntiquityPhiloromaos
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CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC36 viewsAR drachm (15mm, 3.17g). .
Helmeted head of Athena left; helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone / Owl standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread. Vlasto 1077ff.ecoli
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Calabria. Tarentum. Nomos (Circa 302-280 BC)27 viewsAR Nomos
21 mm, 7.78 g
Obv: Youth, holding shield, on horse rearing left; ΣΛ to right, ΦΙΛΩΝ below.
Rev: TAPAΣ.
Phalanthos, holding crowning Nike, riding dolphin left; waves below.
Vlasto 684-5; HN Italy 964.
In Greek mythology, Phalanthos (Φάλανθος) is a divine hero, the leader of the Spartan Partheniae and the founder of Taranto. In Ancient Greece, the Partheniae or Parthenians were a lower ranking Spartiate population which, according to tradition, left Laconia to go to Magna Graecia and founded Taras, modern Taranto, in the current region of Apulia, in southern Italy. In Greek mythology, Phalanthos is a divine hero, and the leader of the Spartan Partheniae.
At least three distinct traditions carry the origins of the Parthenians. The oldest is that of Antiochus of Syracuse, according to which the Spartiates, during the first Messenian war (end of the 8th century BC), had rejected like cowards those who had not fought, along with their descendants:
"Antiochus says that, during the Messenian war, those Lacedemonians which did not take part with the mission shall be declared as slaves and called Helots; as for the children born during the mission, we shall call them Parthenians and deny them of all legal rights."
The Parthenians were therefore the first tresantes ("trembling"), a category which gathers the cowards and thus excludes themselves from the community of the Homoioi, the Peers. Thereafter, Parthenians plotted against the Peers and, discovered, would have been driven out of Sparta, from which they departed for Italy and founded Taras, whose date is traditionally fixed in 706 BC - which archaeology does not deny.
In the second tradition, according to Ephorus (4th century BC), the Spartiates swore during the Messenian War, not to return home as long as they had not attained victory. The war prolonged and Sparta's demography being threatened, the Spartiates let the young Spartans who had not sworn the oath return home. These were ordered to copulate with all the girls available. The children who were born from these unions were named Parthenians. Their mothers, since they were compelled by the state to procreate, were legally considered unmolested and fit to marry once the war was over.
Lastly, a third tradition, made the Parthenians bastards who had resulted from the unions of Spartan women and their slaves, always during the Messenian war. The same tradition is told to explain the origins of Locri, also in Magna Graecia.Nathan P
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CALABRIA. Tarentum. Obol70 viewsKantharos; three pellets around.
Bucranium; three pellets around.
Circa 380-325 BC
Weight: 0.33 g.
Diameter: 9 mm.
Rare with 3 pellets
cf. Vlasto 1617 (number of pellets); cf. BMC 432 (same). HN Italy 918; SNG France 3 specimens, c.f. 2201-03 (number of pellets)
Ex Dr. P. Vogl collection; ex Bankhaus Aufhäuser (sold 30.12.1992; with dealer's ticket), Ex-Numismatik Naumann auction 42 lot 15; Ex-Calgary Coin
A tiny coin with a fantastic design.Jay GT4
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EB0007 Youth on horseback / Taras on dolphin40 viewsTarentum, CALABRIA, AR Nomos, 281-272 BC.
Obverse: Naked youth on horseback right crowning himself; IΩ behind, ZAΛO and Ionic capital below.
Reverse: Taras astride dolphin, holding distaff and akrostolion; AN behind.
References: VLASTO 803, Evans VII, G1; SNG France 1924-25; Cote 420 and McGill II, 87-89.
Diameter: 20mm, Weight: 6.602g.EB
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EB000922 viewsTarentum, CALABRIA , AR diobol
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena right
Reverse: Herakles strangling lion
Diameter: 12.5mm, Weight: 0.652 gEB
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EB0010 Youth on horseback / Taras on dolphin35 viewsTarentum, CALABRIA, AR Nomos, 272-235 BC.
Obverse: Youth on horseback left crowning horse; ΦΙΛΩ/ΤΑΣ in two lines below, ΔΙ above.
Reverse: Taras on dolphin left, holding kantharos and distaff; cock behind.
References: VLASTO 847, SNG France 2009, SNG ANS 1176, Evans VIII, A11 and McGill II, 96.
Diameter: 20mm, Weight: 6.123g.EB
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Greek - Calabria, Tarentum4 viewsMetal/Size: AR19; Weight: 7.45 grams; Denomination: Drachm; Mint: Tarentum, Calabria; Date: 380-355 BCE; Obverse: Young naked rider leading his horse to the left. Below horse, palladium. Reverse: Phalanthos riding a dolphin on the left, right hand stretched. Below P/TAPAΣ (Taras). References: Vlasto #425 (same right corner); SNG ANS #918 (same right corner); Fischer-Bossert #489 (same right corner).museumguy
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GREEK, Calabria Taras. Didrachm.53 viewsCalabria Taras. Didrachm.
315-302 BC. 7,86 g.
Ex: Oslo Mynthandel 65Jan Terje R
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Greek, Calabria Tarentum AR Didrachm circa 345-334 BC 7.77 g Fischer-Bossert 733b this coin105 viewsNaked horseman on prancing horse right,lancing downwards with right hand,behind large shield and two more lances,the whole within a beaded border.In field to left A and to right |-,beneath horse KAA,RevTaras astride dolphin,a creasted helmet between his hands,with his head slightly bowed towards it,below KAA.
ex ARS Classica-Naville 12,1926 lot 230
ex Hirsch 26, 1910 lot 191Grant H
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Greek, Calabria, Tarentum AR nomos (c. 272-240 BC)158 viewso/ Youth on horseback right; behind, Nike flying right, crowning him.
r/ Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding grain ear and ornate trident; monogram behind.
6.1g. 19mm
Vlasto 911 This coinAugustin Caron
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Greek, Calabria, Tarentum, AR litra66 viewsStruck circa 430 B.C.
The obverse with scallop shell.
The reverse with profile female head, wearing earring, facing left.
Vlasto 1162.
Diameter: 10 mm
Weight: 0.65 gsuperflex
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GREEK, Calabria, Tarentum, AR Stater circa 340-335 BC 23mm 7.87g 1h.Coin World Vol 57 Issue 2952 Page 112-113 The Horsemen of Taras by David Vagi133 viewsNude youth on horseback right,holding rein in left hand,crowning horse with wreath held in right hand,to left.Nike flying right placing fillet on head of youth,AP below.Rev Phalanthos nude riding sideways on dolphin right,head turned slightly left ,spearing cuttlefish below with trident held in right hand.KA monogram to left TAPAE to right,all encircled by waves.
Fischer-Bossert Group 54,717 {V267-R561}Vlasto 501.Good VF lightly toned struck from artistic dies on a broad flan.Very rare issue,only ten examples noted by Fischer-Bossert,four of which are in museums {Berlin{2}Copenhagen,London.Grant H
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GREEK, Calabria, Tarentum, Nomos60 viewsCalabria, Tarentum
290 – 281 BCE
AR Nomos – 7.81 gms
Obv: Nude ephebus on horse rearing r., spearing downward with right hand and holding round shield and two spare javelins in left, ΣA under horse
Rev: TAPAΣ, Taras riding dolphin left, extending right hand and holding distaff in left, pellet in l. field, prow left below
SNG ANS 985-6, Vlasto 586-7dlyumkis
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Greek, CALABRIA. Taras. Circa 365-355 BC. AR Nomos. Fischer-Bossert 564b (this coin)109 viewsYouthful nude jockey riding horse standing right; to right, bearded herm left; below horse, TH. Rev. TAΡ[AΣ] Phalantos, with wild flowing hair, riding dolphin left, holding oinochoe in right hand. Fischer-Bossert 564b (this coin). Vlasto 410 (same obverse die). Beautifully toned and of fine style. Minor areas of flatness, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Prof. Langlotz Collection, Auctiones AG 23, 17-18 June 1993, 185.
This is a particularly charming depiction of the hero Phalanthos, with wild waving hair and an impish smile, indicating how much he is enjoying the dolphin ride.Leo
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Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #113914 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Tritemorion(?) (0.47 g).
Female head left / Three crescents facing outward around central pellet. Vlasto 1139 (this coin); HN Italy 924. Near VF, toned, cleaning marks. Apparently unique.
From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. Ex Spink Numismatic Circular CVIII.4 (August 2000), no. 2874; M.P. Vlasto Collection, 1139; Nervenga Collection (Sambon, 18 November 1907), lot 381.Leo
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Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #122911 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. 380-334 BC. AR Diobol
0.83 gm
Horse galloping / Taras on dolphin.
Vlasto.1229. SNG.ANS.1356. Toned VF, some corrosion.
Rare. ex Vlasto collection.Leo
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Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #129769 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Diobol (11mm, 1.19 g, 11h).
Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with hippocamp / Herakles kneeling right, holding club, battling the Nemean Lion. Vlasto 1297 (this coin); HN Italy 911. VF, toned, obverse off center. Good metal.
Leo
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Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #14064 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 470-465 BC. AR Nomos
18.5mm, 8.05 g, 7h
Taras, nude, raising left hand and supporting himself with his right, riding dolphin right; TARAS (retrograde) to left, scallop shell below / Head of nymph (Satyra?) left in linear circle within concave incuse. Fischer-Bossert Group 5, 91b (V41/R60) = Vlasto 140 (this coin, illustrated in both references); HN Italy 838; Berlin 65 (same dies). VF, old cabinet tone, a few marks.
From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex M. L. Collection of Coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015), lot 4; A. D. Moretti Collection; Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 575; Hess-Leu [11] (24 March 1959), lot 5; Kricheldorf IV (7 October 1957), lot 26; Münzen und Medaillen AG VIII (8 December 1949), lot 696; Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 244.Leo
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Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #915117 viewsTaras 272-240 BC Nomos
Calabria, Tarentum; c. 272-240 BC, Nomos, 6.51g(new standard of weight compared with the old 7.5g). HN Italy-1043, Vlasto-915 (this coin).
Obv: Naked boy crowned by Victory flying behind him, on horse standing r. with raised l. foreleg; Greek ethnic below horse (not evident), EY in r. field.
Rx: Taras on dolphin r., holding cornucopia and trident whose head is visible behind his neck; TAPAΣ below, monogram in l. field (expanded by Vlasto to IΩΠY).
Ex Künker 193, 26 September 2011, lot 23. G&M 190, 11 October 2011, lot 15. From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. Extremely well struck reverse with beautiful detail EF.
I appreciate to have this coin. It is from M.P. Vlasto collection.Leo
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Greek, Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto #938155 viewsCalabria, Taras. From Sir Arthur Evans Collection
c. 240-228 BC. AR Nomos, 6.39g (10h). Obv: Naked youth riding horse at full gallop right, holding torch behind him; in field to left monogram HPAK; below, ΔΑΙΜΑΧΟC. Rx: ΤΑ - ΡΑC in field under Taras astride dolphin left holding trident in left hand and kantharos in right; in field to right, monogram ANΔPE. Vlasto 938 (this coin). Evans, Tarentum (1889), p. 194, pl. X. 1 (this coin). Ex Vlasto Coll. 938, pl. XXX. From the Sir Arthur Evans Collection.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria , Taras (c.380-340 B.C.), Silver Nomos125 views7.65g.
Obv:Naked ephebos, holding a small round shield and a lance, vaulting from a cantering horse left, ├ below horse.
Rev: TAPAΣ , Taras as an ephebos seated astride dolphin to left, holding a Corinthian helmet in his right hand and leaning on the back of the dolphin with his left, I and waves below (Fischer-Bossert 657 (V252/R509); Vlasto 437 (these dies); SNG ANS 929 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 169). An almost invisible metal-flaw on reverse, of charming style, attractively toned, about extremely fine.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras203 views281-272 BC (Period VII - The Pyrrhic Hegemony)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.37g)
Sostratos magistrate.
O: Warrior on horseback right, holding shield and spears in left hand and thrusting spear downward with right; [Γ]Y (engraver) behind, ΣΩΣTP - ATOΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding cornucopia in left hand and Nike with laurel wreath in right; ΠOΛY to left, thunderbolt to right, T-APA[Σ] below.
Vlasto 713 / Evans VII, A2 / Cote 371-72 / SNG ANS 1084 / HN Italy 1001
ex CNG
Taras was foremost in resisting Roman influence during the third century, forming an alliance with Metapontum and supporting Pyrrhus of Epirus in his war against Rome from 281-275 BC.Enodia
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras162 views302-281 BC (Period VI)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7,67g)
Nikon magistrate.
O: Naked ephebe dismounting left, holding shield and spear in left hand; EY (engraver) above, [NI]KΩN (magistrate) below.
R: Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding ear of grain; API (engraver) to left, TAPAΣ to right, spearhead below.
Vlasto 703 / Evans VI, E2 / Cote 342 / HN Italy 969.
Scarce
ex John Jencek
The didrachm was reduced from c. 7.5g to c. 6.5g after 281 to help pay for Pyrrhus' campaigns against the Romans. However the spearhead on the reverse is an Epirote symbol, making this one of the last coins struck on the old standard.Enodia
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras154 views272-240 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance)
AR Didrachm (18mm, 6.6g)
Lykinos magistrate.
O: Naked boy on horse pacing left, placing wreath on horse's head; ΣY (engraver) above, AYKI - NOΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, hurling trident with right hand, chlamys wrapped around left arm; owl behind; TA-PA[Σ] below.
Vlasto 836 / Evans VIII, A8 / Cote 473 / SNG ANS 1165 / SNG Cop 916 / SNG France 1999 / HN Italy 1025 / Sear 374v
ex Olympvs Coins
Following Pyrrhus’ withdrawal Taras was forced to submit to a Roman garrison in 272 BC, the period of this coin.
Enodia
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras155 views281-272 BC (Period VII - The Pyrrhic Hegemony)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.44g)
Apollo(...) magistrate.
O: Warrior in crested helmet on horse cantering left, carrying large round shield and two spears; ΞΩ behind, [AΠOΛΛΩ] (magistrate) below.
R: Taras (of the plump Dionysiac type) riding dolphin left, holding bunch of grapes in extended right hand, distaff over left shoulder; ANΘ to right, TAPAΣ below.
Vlasto 789-91 / Evans VII, F2 or F6 / Cote 413 / SNG ANS 1131-1133 / HN Italy 1013
This plump rendition of Taras, differing greatly from previous images, is actually meant to represent a young Iacchus, the son of Dionysus and Persephone, and signifies the influence of the chthonic cult of Dionysus upon the religion of Taras. Enodia
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras138 views330-302 BC (Period V)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.98g).
O: Naked warrior in crested helmet on horse prancing right, spearing downward with right hand, shield and two extra spears in left; ΔΑΙ below. R: Naked ephebe riding dolphin left, holding trident over shoulder with right hand and shield decorated with hippocamp in left; ΦΙ to left, ΤΑΡΑΣ to right, murex shell below.
Vlasto 594; Cote 239; Evans V, B5; Fischer-Bossert 1022a; HN Italy 935; SNG ANS 991.
ex Heidelberger Munzhandlung.Enodia
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras (c. 344-340 B.C.), Silver Stater.90 views8.03g., 2h
Naked youth on a horse pacing right, crowning the horse with a wreath held in his extended right hand, K(KAA?) and an upright club below the horse, rev. TAP-A-Σ, Phalanthos riding on a dolphin left, holding a kantharos in his extended right hand, and a trident and a shield in his left, Ω below dolphin's tail, waves below.
Fischer-Bossert, Group 49, 685 (V260/R532); Vlasto 509 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 173 (these dies); SNG ANS 960; HN Italy 887. An exceptional example, well-struck from fresh dies and perfectly centred on a flan of good metal, extremely fine and most attractive.
From Sovereign Rarities (2018)
The "K" or "KAL" engraver was one of the finest Greek masters working in the 4th century. His work though rare, can also be found on coins from Heraklea, Metapontion, and Thouroi.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras (Tarentum). ca. 280-228 B.C. AR diobol54 viewsCALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 280-228. AR diobol (0.97 gm).
Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet decorated with Scylla / Infant Heracles strangling snakes; thunderbolt in exergue. HN Italy 1068. SNG ANS 1473. Obverse somewhat off-center, but otherwise Extremely Fine. Leo
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Greek, Italy, Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 281-240 BC.6 views6.50g, 20mm, 2h.
Nikokra- and N-, magistrates. Nude horseman galloping right, brandishing spear in right hand, shield and two spears on left arm; N behind, NIKO-KΡA in two lines below.
Taras, nude, astride dolphin to right, holding crested helmet with both hands; TAΡAΣ behind, Ionic capital below.
Vlasto 883; SNG ANS 1203.
Good Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone. Very Rare.Leo
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Greek, Italy, Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 281-270 BC.9 views7.85g, 23mm, 6h.
Rider dismounting from horse left, holding spear and shield; EY in right field, [NIK]ΩΝ below horse
Taras seated astride dolphin left, holding barley ear in right hand and resting left on dolphin's back; API before, TAPAΣ behind, spearhead below.
Vlasto 701-3; HN Italy 969; SNG ANS 1078.
Extremely Fine; lustrous metal.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 390-385 BC.15 views6.98g, 23mm, 8h.
Nude warrior on horseback left, holding reins in right hand, small round shield on left arm; A below / Taras astride dolphin left; P and ΤΑΡΑΣ below. Vlasto 379ff; HN Italy 869; SNG ANS 900.
Good Fine.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras Oecist Stater128 viewsCalabria, Taras
425-415 BC, Nomos, 7.99g. Fischer-Bossert-279 (V127/R212), Vlasto-255.
Obv: Phalantos naked and ithyphallic riding dolphin left; extending right hand and holding cuttlefish in left hand.
Rx: Oecist naked to waist, seated left on stool and balancing distaff on right hand, a lekythos on his left wrist.
Ex Gemini XII, 11 January 2015, lot 13. Ex NAC 10, 9 April 1997, lot 17. Ex M&M Basel 10, 1951, lot 161. With interesting and unusual types: Phalantos holds cuttlefish on obverse, while on reverse Taras(or Oecist?) is shown seated rather than on horseback. Nicely centered and well struck, except for Phalantos' head on obverse; rare; beautifully toned. EFLeo
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GREEK, ITALY, CALABRIA, Taras, AR Nomos107 viewsCirca 315-302 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 8.04 g, 11h).
Warrior, preparing to cast spear held aloft in right hand, holding two spears and shield with left hand, on horse rearing right; Ξ to left, API below / Phalanthos, nude, holding kantharos in extended right hand and cradling oar in left arm, riding dolphin left; KΛ to left, TAPAΣ to right. Fischer-Bossert Group 74a, 914 (V357/R709); Vlasto 638; HN Italy 939; SNG ANS 1016 (same obv. die); SNG Lloyd –; BMC 208 (same dies); Pozzi 123 (same obv. die). Very rare in this quality. Excellent style. Beautiful patina. Extremely fine.
Ex Hess-Divo 329 (17 November 2015), lot 6; Leu 91 (10 May 2004), lot 15.
The obverse of this nomos depicts an example of the mercenary cavalrymen for which Taras became famous in the Hellenistic period. The Tarentine cavalryman is believed to have been the first mounted warrior of the Greek world to carry a shield. This novelty made him popular in the armies of Hellenistic kings and led to the training of cavalrymen in the Tarentine style.Leo
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Greek, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras, AR Obol 281-23542 viewsAR Obol 281-235 v. Chr.
weight 0,75gr. | silver Ø 10mm.
obv.Scallop-shell
rev. Naked Phalanthos on dolphin left, holding kantharos and distaff,
AP-monogram right, MI-monogram below
BMC- | SNG.Copenhagen- | SNG.München 782 | Vlasto 1603
SNG.Paris 2179 | SNG.ANS.1534 R
very attractive coin with fine details
xf-/vf+Leo
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Greek, Italy, Calabria, Taras. 272-240 BC Nomos72 viewsCalabria, Tarentum; c. 272-240 BC, Nomos, 6.51g. HN Italy-1043, Vlasto-915 (this coin).
Obv: Naked boy crowned by Victory flying behind him, on horse standing r. with raised l. foreleg; Greek ethnic below horse (not evident), EY in r. field.
Rx: Taras on dolphin r., holding cornucopia and trident whose head is visible behind his neck; TAPAΣ below, monogram in l. field (expanded by Vlasto to IΩΠY). Ex Künker 193, 26 September 2011, lot 23. G&M 190, 11 October 2011, lot 15. From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. Extremely well struck reverse with beautiful detail EF.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. AR Nomos. Circa 240-228 BC.43 views6.56g, 21mm, 11 h
Zopyrion, magistrate. Nude youth on horseback to right, ΖΩΠΥΡΙΩΝ below; below forelegs, ΣΩ above bukranion / Taras astride dolphin to left, holding hippocamp in extended right hand, trident against left arm; monogram and mask of Silenos right, TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 941; HN Italy 1054.
Extremely Fine; a beautiful reverse composition. Very Rare.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. AR Nomos. Circa 415-405 BC.41 views22mm, 7.88 g, 9h
Nude rider seated right on horse, which he crowns; kerykeion to right, ΛA in exergue / Phalanthos, nude, extending his hand, riding dolphin right.
Fischer-Bossert Group 21, 297 (V134/R229); Vlasto 320–1 (same dies); HN Italy 851; SNG Copenhagen 803 (same dies); SNG Lloyd 150 (same dies); SNG Lockett 351 (same dies); Hirsch 190 (same dies); Dewing 137 (same dies).
Even light gray tone, with iridescence around the devices, a few marks under tone on obverse, light scuffs under tone and die flaw on reverse. Near EF. Very rare.
From the Matthew Curtis Collection. Ex William N. Rudman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1040.Leo
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GREEK, ITALY, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280 BC. AR Nomos113 views(22.5mm, 7.74 g, 1h).
Youth on horse galloping right; EY to left, NIKOΔAMO[Σ] below / Phalanthos, holding kantharos and distaff, riding dolphin left; ZOP and gazelle below. Vlasto 704; cf. HN Italy 970/958. Near EF, deep iridescent tone, a hint of porosity. Well centered on a broad flan.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 470-465 BC. AR Nomos40 views18.5mm, 8.05 g, 7h
Taras, nude, raising left hand and supporting himself with his right, riding dolphin right; TARAS (retrograde) to left, scallop shell below / Head of nymph (Satyra?) left in linear circle within concave incuse. Fischer-Bossert Group 5, 91b (V41/R60) = Vlasto 140 (this coin, illustrated in both references); HN Italy 838; Berlin 65 (same dies). VF, old cabinet tone, a few marks.
From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex M. L. Collection of Coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily (Numismatica Ars Classica 82, 20 May 2015), lot 4; A. D. Moretti Collection; Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 575; Hess-Leu [11] (24 March 1959), lot 5; Kricheldorf IV (7 October 1957), lot 26; Münzen und Medaillen AG VIII (8 December 1949), lot 696; Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; Maddalena Collection (Sambon & Canessa, 7 May 1903), lot 244.Leo
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GREEK, ITALY, CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 510-500 BC. AR Incuse Nomos37 views8,03 g; 24 mm; 11 h
Phalanthos riding dolphin right, extending left arm, holding dolphin with right hand; crowning Nike to left; shell below
Rv. Incuse of obverse, but ethnic in relief.
HNItaly 826; Vlasto 68. The first issue of Tarentine coinage. Very rare. Lightly toned and in fine archaic style, extremely fine. According to Vlasto, it is the last type of the Tarentine incuse series.
I got this great piece from an auction last fall and it was the most important acquisition for me.
This Taras incuse stater is more compact and thicker than Kaulonia and Sybaris incuse staters. It was double (or triple) striked and the details were hard to detect. We can found slight trace on the Taras’s head and his left hand. I believe this is the reason that the pattern looks very sharp while the high points (such as dolphin’s eyes and tail ) are flat.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras. Time of Hannibal, c. 212-209 BC. Nomos21 views3.98g. (5h). Obv: Naked youth on horseback right, holding reins and carrying filleted palm; ΣΩKAN - NAΣ below. Rx: Taras astride dolphin left, holding aphlaston in extended right hand, cradling trident in left arm; eagle standing with wings spread behind; TAPAΣ below. Vlasto 984. HN Italy 1082. SNG ANS 1272. Perfectly struck; Mint State.
Ex Philip T. Ashton Collection. Ex Berk 130, 6 January 2003, lot 81.
Hannibal used the region around Tarentum and Metapontum as winter quarters during his occupation of southern Italy. He installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras. Time of Hannibal, c. 212-209 BC. Nomos32 views3.34 gm. Magistrate Sogenes. Nude youth on horseback left, crowning horse with wreath; IΩ to right, ΣΩΓENHΣ below / Taras astride dolphin left, holding cornucopia and Nike, who crowns him with wreath. Vlasto 975-7. HN Italy 1079. Struck on a broad flan and attractively toned. Extremely Rare.
The climax of the Carthaginian invasion of Italy was reached when Tarentum changed sides in 212 BC. The takeover of the city was a carefully planned coup by Hannibal and members of the city's democratic faction who opened the gates to Hannibal's army. The Carthaginians failed to take the citadel, but subsequent fortifications around this enemy stronghold enabled the city to remain under Punic control. Hannibal installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Tarentum AR stater 281-270 BC 7.84g140 viewsNaked Horseman on prancing horse,to right spearing downward with right hand,and holding shield and two more spears with left hand,FIL{OTAS} below.Rev TAPAE in field to right, Young nude Taras riding dolphin left,holding bunch of grapes and distaff,in upper left field EY and below ARA.Very rare ex Baldwins 6-30-11,ex NAC Auc 52 lot 22.
Vlasto 708,HN Italy 973Grant H
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Tarentum, AR Didrachm circa 344-340 BC 22mm 7.18g 5h Fischer-Bossert 67968 viewsHelmeted warrior standing facing,head right, holding spear and shield, behind horse standing right, before horses foreleg 90 degree t. Rev TARAS Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding trident and shield, A below and above waves. Overstruck on another Tarentum stater?
ex Hanbery
ex Frank Kovacs 1990.Grant H
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Greek, Italy, Calabria, Tarentum, AR Didrachm circa 345-334 BC 7.77 g Fischer-Bossert 733b this coin58 viewsNaked horseman on prancing horse right,lancing downwards with right hand,behind large round shield and two more lances,the whole within a beaded border.Rev Taras astride dolphin,a crested helmet between his hands,with his head slightly bowed towards it.Grant H
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Tarentum, AR Nomos, 23mm 7.87g 1h166 viewsNude youth on horseback right holding rein in left hand,Crowning horse with wreath held in right hand .To left Nike flying right placing fillet on head of youth,AP below.Rev Phalanthos nude riding sideways on dolphin right head turned slightly left spearing cuttlefish below with trident held in right hand,Kto left,TAPAE to right,all encircled by waves.This coin was just in the November issues of coin world 2016 page112 by David Vagi.Fisher -Bossert group 54,717 v26-r561 Vlasto 501,HN Italy 886 SNG COP 822 same obv die.Struck from artistic dies on a broad flan and very rare issue only ten examples noted by Fisher Bossert of which four are in museums Berlin 2, Copenhagen, LondonGrant H
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Tarentum, AR stater 280-272 BC 19mm 6.42g91 viewsNude youth as Ephebus on horseback right crowning horse with wreath behind ZU, NEY MH in two lines belowRev Phalanthos riding dolphin left holding Phrygian helmet two twelve rayed stars flanking,NONY to right.ex Mynthandel 3-5-12,ex Freeman & Sear.
Vlasto 739-47,HN Italy 1006Grant H
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GREEK, ITALY, CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Diobol146 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Diobol (11mm, 1.19 g, 11h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with hippocamp / Herakles kneeling right, holding club, battling the Nemean Lion. Vlasto 1297 (this coin); HN Italy 911. VF, toned, obverse off center. Good metal.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, CALABRIA. Taras. 332-302 BC. AR nomos19 views7.90g. Obv: Naked youth on horseback r., crowning horse, AΠH below. Rx: ΤΑΡΑΣ Nude Taras astride dolphin l., holding out kantharos in r. hand, Φ behind.
Fischer-Bossert-1138 (V422/r880), Group 81.
Rare, fewer than ten recorded. Not in Vlasto or Evans. Near Mint StateLeo
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GREEK, Italy, CALABRIA. Taras. 425-380 BC. AR nomos19 views6.26 gm
Nude ephebe cantering left, holding bridle with both hands, ΛΕ (retrograde) beneath horse / TARAS, dolphin rider right, wielding trident and pointing with left hand.
HN Italy 850. Vlasto 319 (same dies).
Porous. Edge bump (8:00 obverse) and reverse scratches. Good very fineLeo
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Greek, Italy, CALABRIA. Taras. Drachm (Circa 272-240 BC).4 viewsObv: Head of Athena right, wearing helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone.
Rev: NIKOKPATHΣ / TA.
Owl standing right on Ionic capital.
Vlasto 1097.
Condition: Extremely fine.
Weight: 3.1 g.
Diameter: 13 mm.Leo
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GREEK, Italy, Sybaris Nomos 540-520 BC Gillette Collection488 viewsNomos circa 540-520, AR 7.82 g. 31mm Bull standing l. on dotted bar, head reverted; in exergue, VM. The whole within dotted border. Rev. Same type incuse on broken bar, without legend. The whole within radiate border. Historia Numorum Italy 1729. Cf. SNG Copenhagen 1388.
Gorini 1 and enlarged p. 107 (this coin).
An extremely rare variety. Nicely toned and good very fine
Ex Triton sale 1, 1998, 121. Barry Fierstein Collection. From the Gillette collection 1924
NAC 39 Lot 5 May 17th, 2007
Sybaris (Greek: Σύβαρις; Italian: Sibari) was a celebrated city of Magna Graecia on the western shore Gulf of Taranto, a short distance from the sea, between the rivers Crathis (Crati) and Sybaris (Coscile). The last of these, from which it derived its name, at the present day falls into the Crati about 5 km from its mouth, but in ancient times undoubtedly pursued an independent course to the sea. Sybaris was apparently the earliest of all the Greek colonies in this part of Italy, being founded, according to the statement of Scymnus Chius, as early as 720 BCE. The site is located within the limits of the present-day comune of Cassano allo Ionio, in the province of Cosenza (Calabria), Italy.
Sybaris was Italy’s most prosperous Achaean colony. Sybaris was destroyed in 510 BC by Croton which exiled the colonists. The Athenians and Sybarite descendants established themselves in a joint colony, New Sybaris, in 443. Eventually, making themselves unpopular, the Sybarites were expelled and the remaining colonists refounded their city near the spring of Thuria.
The word Sybaritic has become a byword meaning extreme luxury and a seeking for pleasure and comfort4to2CentBCphilia
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1099104 viewsTaras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
302 - 281 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (16mm, 3.09g, 3h)
Nikokrates, magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone.
R: Owl with closed wings standing right on Ionic capital, head facing; [NIKO]KPAT[HΣ] to left, TA to right.
Vlasto 1099 (this coin); HN Italy 1052
From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. ex CNG
“Michel P. Vlasto was born in Athens on the 1st February 1874 and Studied in Marseilles.
… He was a born artist and very good at drawing. His artistic feeling made him a real worshipper of Greek art; everything beautiful charmed him; if he could have done so a museum would have been his home. The real pleasure he felt in admiring a beautiful work of Greek art was so intense that he used to say he could not imagine life without Art and that beauty and Happiness went together. As a result he could not feel happy unless he was surrounded by Beauty. The room where he used to spend most of his leisure was a kind of temple in which a few perfect specimens of Greek art were the idols he worshipped in a real religious way.
… But all these splendid surroundings were only the frame of the world famous collection of Tarentine coins which represented his chief interest in life and really his sole hobby. But he did not limit himself to collecting coins as most collectors do; he was a real self-made scholar; his knowledge of Tarentine numismatic was complete; there was not a single coin in a public or private cabinet which he did not know, and nothing was said or written about Tarentum, its history and its art which escaped him. He published several contributions to numismatics and many of his books are famous.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)Enodia
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1235104 viewsTaras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
380-325 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 1.15g, 2h)
O: Head of Athena right, helmet decorated with hippocamp.
R: Naked Herakles seated left on dead lion right, holding cup in right hand and club in left.
Vlasto 1235 (this coin); HN Italy 910
Very rare
From the AG Collection.; ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; ex Vecchi 17; ex CNG
This coin is extremely rare, and Vlasto cites only this single die combination. While I am sure it isn’t unique I could find no other specimen of this type listed anywhere.Enodia
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1296109 viewsTaras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
380-325 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.22g, 11h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp; Ξ behind neck-flap.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; [club] to left, TA above.
Vlasto 1296 (this coin); HN Italy 912
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex Pegasi Numismatics; ex MNS
"Mr. Vlasto's collection of Tarentine coins is certainly the most complete that exists; practically all known varieties are represented; its catalog can therefore be considered a real corpus of the coinage of Tarentum. Numerous are the rare or unique specimens; but what makes this collection an outstanding one is its large number of exceptionally well preserved coins. Mr. Vlasto was never content with his specimens; if he could get a better one, he never missed the opportunity. He used to tell me that in some cases he had changed six specimens of the same coin and that he would even change the sixth if he could find a better one. The results is that many of his coins are really wonderful gems of priceless value. Any colledctor would be proud to have just one of them in his collection."
~ Oscar Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto)Enodia
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #130282 viewsTaras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
325-280 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.14g, 8h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a hippocamp.
R: Herakles crouching right, strangling the Nemean lion to right; EY above.
Vlasto 1302 (this coin); HN Italy 976
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex MNS
Enodia
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #148977 viewsTaras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
325-280 BC
AR Litra (11mm, 0.64g, 12h)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin leaping right; small dolphin left above, |-HP(?) below.
Vlasto 1489 (this coin); McGill II, 182; HN Italy 979
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex MNS
“The part of the small denominations, which owing to their small size, have always been ignored by the collectors, show such a sequence of small works of art, and so complete, that every museum would be pleased to have it in its cabinet. For many numismatists some of these tiny pieces, will be a real revelation.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
Enodia
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #166189 viewsTaras, Calabria (Plate Coin)
302-228 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.53g)
O: Kantharos; three pellets around.
R: Kantharos with bunch of grapes to right; pellets around.
Vlasto 1661 (this coin); Cote ---
Scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection; ex Den of AntiquityEnodia
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Intruiging taras half stater fouree17 viewsCalabria, Taras. C4TH BC. half a fouree stater, AR plated around a significant AE core.
I guess whoever cut this coin wasn't too impressed to find it a forgery!
Obverse: Naked youth on horseback with spear
Reverse: Taras on dolphin, wreath 9mintmark?)CANTANATRIX
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Italy, Calabria, Brundisium mint, Lindgren II #246 (var.)22 viewsItaly, Calabria, Brundisium mint, Semis, B.C. AE, 20mm 7.74g, Lindgren II #246 (var.)
O: Laureate head of Poseidon r., with long trident behind
R: BRVM (below), Taras, naked, riding a dolphin, holding in his outstretched right hand, Nike crowning, and in his left, a cithara
casata137ec
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Italy, Calabria, HN Italy 912 (var)34 viewsItaly, Calabria, Tarentum mint, Diobol, Circa 380-325 B.C. AR, 11mm 1.3 grams, SNG ANS 1408 (var), HN Italy 912 (var)
Obv: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla, who holds a rock in her raised right hand
Rev: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling with the Nemean lion
casata137ec
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Italy, Calabria, Taras, 272-235 BC15 viewsAR didrachm, 6.38g, gF
Naked horseman right, crowning horse with right hand; AΓAΘA - PXOΣ below horse / TAPAΣ, Taras, naked, seated on dolphin left; right arm extended and holding kantharos, cornucopiae in left arm; race torch behind.
Sear 375v; HN Italy 1028
Consigned to ForvmLawrence Woolslayer
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Italy, Calabria, Taras, 272-235 BC19 viewsAR didrachm, 6.48g, VF
Naked horseman trotting left, crowning horse with right hand; ΣY behind, ΛYKI - NOΣ below horse / TA PAΣ, Taras, naked, seated on dolphin left; right arm raised and hurling trident, chlamys hanging from extended left arm; behind, owl left.
Sear 374v; BMC Italy, p. 181, #161; HN Italy 1025
Consigned to ForvmLawrence Woolslayer
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Italy, Cosenza, Sibari (Thurium), Street204 viewsLucania, Thourioi.
Today Sibari (Cosenza), ItalyTaras
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ITALY, Normans in Calabria. Roger I. 1072-1101.7 viewsÆ Trifollaro, 29x25mm, 8.2g, 11; Mileto, c. 1098-1101.
Obv.: ROC ERIVS COME +S . Knight with triangular shield and conical helmet, holding flag on long pole, on horse standing left.
Rev.: + MARIA MATER DИI . Enthroned nimbate Virgin holding on lap Christ child, nimbate and in swaddling clothes right.
Reference: CNI XVIII pg. 287, 15; Biaggi 1583; MEC 14, 93; Sambon 876 / 17-141-151John Anthony
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Lucania, Velia. (Circa 340-334 B.C.)34 viewsAR nomos (22 mm, 7.24 g, 2 h).
Obverse: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin; between neck guard and crest, Θ
Reverse: YEΛHTΩN (of Elea), lion prowling right; below, X.
Williams 262 (O151/R207); SNG ANS 1293 (same dies); HN Italy 1284.
Velia was the Roman name of an ancient city of Magna Graecia on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was founded by Greeks from Phocaea as Hyele around 538–535 BC. According to Herodotus, in 545 BC Ionian Greeks fled Phocaea, in modern Turkey, which was being besieged by the Persians under Cyrus the Great. They settled in Corsica until they were attacked by a force of Etruscans and Carthaginians. The surviving 6000 took to the sea once more, first stopping in Reggio Calabria, where they were probably joined by the poet/philosopher Xenophanes, who was at the time at Messina, and then moved north along the coast and founded the town of Hyele, later renamed Ele and then, eventually, Elea.
Elea was not conquered by the Lucanians, but eventually joined Rome in 273 BC and was included in ancient Lucania.Nathan P
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Orra, Calabria8 viewsCALABRIA, Orra. Circa 210-150 BC. Æ Quincunx (17mm, 5.40 g, 6h). Draped bust of Venus right, wearing laureate stephanos / Cupid standing right, playing kithara; five pellets (mark of value) to left. Travaglini pl. 102, 4; HN Italy, Very rare.
From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collectionecoli
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Owl - This zoo needs an OWL! Preferably a perky owl..1324 viewsCalabria --Circa 281-272 BC. AR Drachm (3.16 gm). Helmeted head of Athena left; helmet decorated with skylla hurling a stone / [TARANTINWN], owl standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread. Vlasto 1077ff; SNG ANS 1320 featherz
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Roman Bridge76 viewsThis is a Roman bridge in the south of Italy (Calabria) at the bottom of my grandmothers town today called Scigliano but in ancient times was known as Sturni. "Annibale’s Bridge” (Hannibal) is also known as ”The Bridge of Saint Angelo" The road and surrounding area is completely grown over but it was once a part of the Via Popilia which once joined Reggio Calabria to Capua. The bridge crosses the Savuto river. There are no tourists here, it is only known by the locals and is claimed to be the oldest free standing Roman bridge! It dates to 130 BC.Titus Pullo
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Roman Bridge91 viewsAnother view of the Roman bridge in CalabriaTitus Pullo
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Seleukos III17 viewsSeleucid Kingdom, Seleukos III, 226 - 223 BC
3.7g, 15mm
OBV: Diademed head of Artemis right; quiver on shoulder.
REV: Apollo seated on omphalos holding bow and arrow in each hand.
This omphalos is a lot taller and more narrow than the omphalos on the Calabrian bronze
Romanorvm
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Taras (Tarentum), Calabria23 views380-325 B.C.
Silver diobol
0.91 g, 13 mm
Obverse: head of Athena right wearing crested helmet decorated with hippocamp
Reverse: Heracles nude standing right, strangling the Nemean lion with neck grip, club left, [TAΡANTINΩN] right, K between legs
Taras mint
Sear 351var;
BMC Italy p. 206, 358varJaimelai
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Taras 272-240 BC Nomos111 viewsCalabria, Tarentum; c. 272-240 BC, Nomos, 6.51g(new standard of weight compared with the old 7.5g). HN Italy-1043, Vlasto-915 (this coin).
Obv: Naked boy crowned by Victory flying behind him, on horse standing r. with raised l. foreleg; Greek ethnic below horse (not evident), EY in r. field.
Rx: Taras on dolphin r., holding cornucopia and trident whose head is visible behind his neck; TAPAΣ below, monogram in l. field (expanded by Vlasto to IΩΠY).
Ex Künker 193, 26 September 2011, lot 23. G&M 190, 11 October 2011, lot 15. From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. Extremely well struck reverse with beautiful detail EF.
I appreciate to have this coin. It is from M.P. Vlasto collection.Leo
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Taras 280-272 Stater74 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. Stater (Silver, 21mm, 6.22 g 5), Aristipp..., Gy... and Di.... ΑΡΙΣ / ΤΙΠΠ Nude male figure standing right, crowning horse ridden by young jockey to left; above to right, ΓΥ. Rev. ΤΑΡΑΣ Phalanthos, nude, riding dolphin to right, holding arrow in his right hand and bow in his left; below right, elephant; below dolphin’s tail, ΔΙ. HN III 1000. Vlasto 732. Toned but with an obverse struck from a worn die, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
The Tarentine didrachm was reduced from approximately 7.5g to 6.5g after 281 BC to help pay for Pyrrhus’ campaigns against the Romans. Leo
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Taras diobol56 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Diobol (11mm, 1.19 g, 11h).
Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with hippocamp / Herakles kneeling right, holding club, battling the Nemean Lion. Vlasto 1297 (this coin); HN Italy 911. VF, toned, obverse off center. Good metal.
Leo
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Taras diobol11 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 325-280 BC. AR Diobol (12mm, 1.03 g, 1h).
Head of Herakles right / Herakles strangling the Nemean Lion; TH, skyphos (or astragalos?), and club to left. Vlasto 1355; HN Italy 978. Good VF.
Leo
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Taras diobol16 viewsCALABRIA. Taras. Ca. 325-280 BC. AR diobol (1.09 gm).
Head of Heracles facing slightly to the left, wearing lion-skin headdress / Heracles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion. HN Italy 977. SNG Copenhagen 995. Vlasto 1349. Toned. Somewhat weakly struck, but otherwise Extremely Fine.
Leo
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Taras diobol14 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 380-325 BC. AR Diobol (11mm, 1.13 g, 7h).
Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp; Φ above visor / Herakles crouching right, holding club and strangling the Nemean Lion to right. HN Italy 1360. VF, toned.Leo
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Taras diobol47 viewsCALABRIA. Taras. Diobol (Circa 325-280 BC).
Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right.
Rev: Herakles kneeling right, strangling Nemean lion; club and uncertain symbol to left.
HN Italy 976; cf. Vlasto 1322-4 & 1327.
Condition: Very fine.
Weight: 1.22 g.
Diameter: 12 mm.
Leo
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Taras Time of Hannibal half-shekel 46 viewsCALABRIA. Taras. Time of Hannibal (ca. 212-209 BC). AR half-shekel (3.34 gm).
Magistrate Sogenes. Nude youth on horseback left, crowning horse with wreath; IΩ to right, ΣΩΓENHΣ below / Taras astride dolphin left, holding cornucopia and Nike, who crowns him with wreath. Vlasto 975-7. HN Italy 1079. Struck on a broad flan and attractively toned. Extremely Rare.
The climax of the Carthaginian invasion of Italy was reached when Tarentum changed sides in 212 BC. The takeover of the city was a carefully planned coup by Hannibal and members of the city's democratic faction who opened the gates to Hannibal's army. The Carthaginians failed to take the citadel, but subsequent fortifications around this enemy stronghold enabled the city to remain under Punic control. Hannibal installed his own magistrates and struck coinage based on the Punic half shekel standard.Leo
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Taras, Calabria33 views380-228 BC.
AR Tritemorion (9mm, 0.45g)
O: Head of horse left.
R: Head of horse right.
Vlasto 1698, McGill II, 215v (letter); HN Italy 981v; Cote ---
Scarce
ex Savoca CoinsEnodia
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Taras, Calabria50 views380-344 BC.
Diobol AR (11mm, 0.77g.)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion; owl standing left above lion, club to left.
cf Vlasto 1300; HN Italy 976
ex Savoca Coins
Enodia
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TARAS, Calabria20 viewsTARAS, Calabria - AR diobol, 325-280 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet. Rev.: Herakles fighting Nemean lion, club behind. Reference: SGCV I 351. dpaul7
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Taras, Calabria71 views520-473 BC
AR Litra (8mm, 0.84g)
O: Scallop shell with seven teeth, within dotted border.
R: Four spoked wheel.
Vlasto 1108; Cote 7-9; McGill II, 140; SNG ANS 1328; Sear 228; BMC 1 56
ex Alex Malloy
Founded by Spartan refugees in 706 BC, Taras quickly became the major port on the Tarentine Gulf.
Renowned for its purple cloth made from the superior local wool and dye from the abundant murex shell, Taras thrived during the fifth and fourth centuries BC, establishing a democratic government in 473.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria103 views380-345 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.95g)
O: Horse right, running free.
R: Taras astride dolphin right, left hand extended.
Vlasto 1225; Cote 177; SNG Fitzwilliam 348
Very Scarce
ex Davissons Ltd
As the first port-of-call in southern Italy from Greece, Taras’ fine natural harbor soon established the city as a major center of Greek influence.
Founded in 706 BC by the Spartan Phalanthos, Taras derived its name from the son of Poseidon, who was carried ashore by a dolphin. Legend has it that Phalanthos too, after being shipwrecked, was rescued by a dolphin, and this explains the artistic device so common throughout this prolific coinage.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria75 views281-228 BC
AR Obol (9mm, 0.31g)
O: Kantharos; three pellets around.
R: Kantharos; tripod to right.
Vlasto 1642v; SNG ANS 1549v; SNG Cop 1075; HN Italy 1076; Sear 356v (K to left)
ex ECIN
The 3rd century was one of great change for Taras, who saw their democracy shatter and their influence evaporate. After repeated conflicts with Rome, Taras finally submitted to a Roman garrison in 272 BC.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria105 views281-209 BC
Æ13 (13.5mm, 1.64g),
O: Kantharos; star on each side.
R: Kantharos; TA to left, filleted bucranium to right.
Vlasto 1821-23; Hands Type IV; McClean 796; Cote 427; HN Italy 1086; SNG Cop 1601; Sear 609
Scarce
From the E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection. ex Naville Numismatics
“Receive the god into your kingdom,
pour libations, cover your head with ivy, join the dance!”
~ Euripides (The Bacchae)Enodia
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Taras, Calabria115 views281-209 BC
AE11 (10.72mm, 0.96g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Two dolphins swimming right; TA below.
Vlasto 1842-46; Cote 441-42; Hands Type VII; SNG Cop 1088; HN Italy 1088
ex Ancient Imports
Taras became the dominant Greek city in Magna Graecia, and the marine symbols on this coin showcase the source of Tarentine wealth and power.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria91 views281-272 BC (Period VII)
AR Drachm (16mm, 2.85g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Owl with open wings standing right on thunderbolt; TAPANTINΩ[N] to left, ΣΩ upward to right.
Vlasto 1077ff; Cote 432; cf McGill II, 139; Hands Period VII, Type VI; SNG ANS 1320; HN Italy 1018; Sear 373 var.
Struck from worn or corroded dies.
ex Holger Siee Munzhandlung
The Owl drachms of Taras began about the same time as the Herakles & Lion diobols (circa 334 BC), and like the diobols were intended as a federal issue. From the beginning these drachms were minted to the lower weight standard which would not be applied to the didrachms of Taras until 281, the time of the Pyrrhic wars.
It is my opinion that all of the 'open wing' type owls are post-Pyrrhic.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria111 views334-302 BC
AR Tritemorion (3/4 Obol) (8.4mm, 0.50g)
O: Bust of horse right; Θ to right.
R: Bust of horse left.
Vlasto 1695v; Cote ---; SNG Cop 1052ff;
Scarce
ex Munzhandlung Ritter
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria87 views302-228 BC
AR 3/8 Obol (6mm, 0.16g)
O: Two cresents back to back; two pellets above and below.
R: Two cresents back to back; two pellets above and below.
Vlasto 1758; McGill II, 216; HN Italy 1077; Sear 361v
Scarce
ex Roma Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria111 views281-209 BC
AE15 (15.48mm, 3.03g)
O: Scallop shell with eleven teeth.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in right hand and cornucopia in left; [TAPAN] to right.
Vlasto 1824-41; Cote 309-11; Hands Type VI; cf McGill III, 12; SNG Cop 1085; Sear 608; BMC 1, 479
From an old German collection. ex Ancient Imports
Taras only minted about 17 bronze types, and all at a relatively late date. Pinpointing those dates is problematic however, as even the experts don't agree.
It seems certain that Arthur Sambon was correct in stating the first bronze coins of Taras were minted no earlier than 334 BC, as these types are consistent with the style of the city’s gold issues of that time (in turn copied from the types of Alexander the Mollosian and, later, Alexander of Epirus). Barclay Head on the other hand places the beginning of the series around the time of the tyrant Kleonymus of Sparta, circa 302 BC.
Claudius Cote in his catalog 'Monnaies de Tarente' assigns this particular type (above) to the period of 334-302, while Alfred Hands gives us the dates 281-228, starting at the time of Pyrrhus of Epirus. This agrees with Michael Vlasto, although Vlasto extends the duration to the final fall of Taras to the Romans in 209 BC.
So where do all these contradictory opinions leave us? I am going with Vlasto here, and putting this coin in the 281-209 time period.
It does seem likely though that the Tarentines themselves placed little importance on the series, as most of the types were simply reproduced from earlier dies, with no original artistic input. The effect of these bronzes on the other colonies of Apulia-Calabria however was profound, as nearly every coin producing city within the region struck their own version of this coin.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria63 views281-228 BC
AR Hemiobol (7mm, 0.24g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin right; Π (tripod?) below.
Vlasto 1531v; SNG ANS 785v; HN Italy 979v; Sear 359v
Scarce
ex Jencek Historical Enterprise
"New moons swell the slippery shell-fish, but it is not
every sea that yields the choicest kind. The Lucrine
mussel is better than the Baian cockle. Oysters come
from Circeii, sea-urchins from Misenum, luxurious
Tarentum plumes herself on her broad scallops."
~ Horace
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria178 views281-272 BC
AR Drachm (15mm, 2.98g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with Skylla hurling rock; I on neckflap.
R: Owl with closed wings standing left on olive branch; TAPA[N] to right, AΠ monogram to left.
Vlasto 1065; Cote 431; Evans VII, V; SNG France 1947
Very Rare
ex Auctiones GmbH; ex Rutten & Wieland
This type is described by Sir Arthur Evans in ‘The Horsemen of Tarentum’, the same coin which M.P Vlasto later acquired for his own famous collection. This coin isn’t as nice as the Evans/Vlasto specimen, but I was very happy to find it. Left-facing owls are very rare on Tarentine drachms. I have only found one other type with the left facing owl, but that with Athena also facing left (Vlasto 1101, Cote 489).
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria163 views281-272 BC (Period VII - The Pyrrhic Hegemony)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.34g)
Sostratos magistrate.
O: Warrior on horseback right, holding shield and spears in left hand and thrusting spear downward with right; [E]Y behind, ΣΩΣTP - ATOΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding cornucopia in left hand and Nike with laurel wreath in right; ΠOΛY to left, thunderbolt to right, T-APA[Σ] below.
Vlasto 713; Evans VII, A2; Cote 371-72; SNG ANS 1084; SNG Cop 874; HN Italy 1001
ex CNG
As the leading Greek city in Magna Graecia Taras was foremost in resisting Roman influence during the third century, forming an alliance with Metapontum and later supporting Pyrrhus of Epirus in his war against Rome from 281-275 BC, the period of this coin.
It was during this time that the standard was reduced to c. 6.5g, and with its distinctly Epirote thunderbolt symbol this specimen represents one of the earliest 'light' didrachms.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria108 views281-272 BC (Period VII - The Pyrrhic Hegemony)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.44g)
Apollo(...) magistrate.
O: Helmeted warrior on horse cantering left, carrying two javelins and a large round shield decorated with eight-rayed star; ΞΩ behind, [AΠOΛΛΩ] (magistrate) below.
R: Taras (of the plump Dionysiac type) astride dolphin left, holding bunch of grapes in extended right hand, distaff over left shoulder; ANΘ to right, TAPAΣ below.
Vlasto 789-91; Evans VII, F2 or F6; Cote 413; McGill II, 84; SNG ANS 1131-1133; HN Italy 1013
ex Numisantique
The helmeted warrior shown here behind a large shield is a definite departure from the typical image found on this coinage. The earlier naked skirmishers have been replaced by the fully armored cavalryman presented here. This was of course a gradual process, but the evolution becomes more apparent on later issues where the rider is clearly depicted wearing a cuirass.
This plump rendition of Taras also differs greatly from previous images and is actually meant to represent a young Iacchus, the son of Dionysus and Persephone. Similar images can be found on kraters and terracotta votives found in the region. The attributes of Dionysus which he carries show the foreign influence of the chthonic cult of Dionysus upon the city of Taras. This relatively new mystery cult was introduced along side the earlier ouranic cults of Poseidon and Apollo, and the inclusion of Iacchus here represents a distinct link to the Mysteries of Eleusis.
The distaff, in this context, is probably a reference to Ariadne, a wife of Dionysus, but its’ phallic nature also symbolizes the god of ecstasy Himself.
- The Tarantinians Carouse -
The theaters are full, music everywhere,
here debauchery and lewdness, and there
athletic and sophistical contests.
An unwithering wreath adorns the statue
of Dionysus. Not an earthly nook remains
unsprinkled by libations...
~ Kavafy (1933)
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria189 views302-281 BC (Period VI)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.68g)
Nikon magistrate.
O: Naked ephebe vaulting from horse galloping left, holding javelin and small shield in left hand; EY above, [NI]KΩN (magistrate) below.
R: Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding ear of grain; API to left, TAPAΣ to right, spearhead below.
Vlasto 703; Evans VI, E2; Cote 342; HN Italy 969
ex John Jencek
The Tarentine horsemen were renowned throughout the ancient world, serving as mercenary cavalry for many Mediterranean kings including Antigonos I, Demetrios I and Alexander of Epirus. They were so efficient that the term ‘Tarentine Horse’ came to mean any such skirmishing cavalry unit, regardless of their origin.
These were not typical cavalry however, but rather "hippakontistai" (mounted javelinmen), or more specifically "elaphroi", light cavalry which throw javelins and then dismount for close combat.
The scene depicted here is from an equestrian event of the Hyakinthia (the ceremonial games of Hyakinthian Apollo) rather than actual combat, but celebrates those special skills necessary in war. The armed rider would dismount at full gallop, run along side his horse, and then remount in stride.
The didrachm was reduced from c. 7.5g to c. 6.5g after 281 to help pay for Pyrrhus' campaigns against the Romans. However the spearhead on the reverse is an Epirote symbol, making this one of the last coins struck on the old standard.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria156 views302-228 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.53g)
O: Kantharos; three pellets around.
R: Kantharos with bunch of grapes to right; pellets around.
Vlasto 1661 (this coin); Cote ---; HN Italy 1076; Sear 356v
Scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex Den of Antiquity
Vlasto plate coin, #1661.
The kantharos device on this series of coins, and the bunch of grapes on this particular specimen, probably refer to the influence upon the Tarentines of the local cult of Chthonic Dionysus, and a festival to Him was held annually within the city.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria142 views272-235 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (18mm, 6.50g)
Lykinos magistrate.
O: Naked boy on horse pacing left, placing wreath on horse's head; ΣY above, ΛYKI - NOΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, hurling trident with right hand, chlamys wrapped around left arm; owl behind, TA-PA[Σ] below.
Vlasto 836; Evans VIII, A8; Cote 473; cf McGill II, 92; SNG ANS 1165; SNG Cop 916; SNG France 1999; HN Italy 1025; Sear 374v
ex Olympvs Coins
Following Pyrrhus’ withdrawal Taras was forced to submit to a Roman garrison in 272 BC, although the relationship did not remain entirely antagonistic. Taras remained a free port, the city’s walls were rebuilt by the time of the First Punic War, and they even provided Rome with ships during that struggle.
This would change drastically however when Taras threw in with Hannibal during the Second Punic War.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria66 views325-280 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.02g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; club behind.
cf Vlasto 1308-9; HN Italy 976; Sear 351v
ex Jencek Historical Enterprise
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria143 views520-473 BC
AR 1/4 Litra (8mm, 0.22g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Four spoked wheel.
cf Vlasto 1116; Cote ---
Scarce
From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection. ex CNG; ex Roman Lode
The 'wheel type' reverse motif was common on all early Tarentine coinage until 473 BC, after which it is unknown.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria56 views450-380 BC
AR Hemiobol (7.5mm, 0.20g).
O: Skyphos with single handle to left.
R: Olive wreath, Π within.
cf Vlasto 1744; Cote 448; SNG France 2224; HN Italy 867; Sear 360v
Very Scarce
ex Savoca Coins
A peculiar little coin with obscure symbolism.
Even the vessel type is uncertain. It is often called a ‘skyphos’, although those are typically two-handled. I have also seen it referred to as a ‘kyathos’, but that type usually has its single handle molded extremely long, making it more useful as a dipper.
This scarce coin is more commonly seen with the cup handle to the right. The reverse can also depict a ‘K’ within the wreath, or even a race torch. An empty wreath is also recorded.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria200 views330-302 BC (Period V)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.98g)
O: Naked warrior in crested helmet on horse prancing right, spearing downward with right hand, shield and two extra spears in left; ΔΑΙ below.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding trident over shoulder with right hand and shield decorated with hippocamp in left; ΦΙ to left, ΤΑΡΑΣ to right, murex shell below.
Vlasto 594; Cote 239; Evans V, B5; Fischer-Bossert 1022a; McGill II, 52; HN Italy 935; SNG ANS 991
ex Heidelberger Munzhandlung
Vlasto dates this coin to the time of Alexander the Molossian, but I believe it may be safely placed after the King’s death in 331, as the typical Epirote symbols are no longer seen (especially, as Evans points out, the eagle’s head). Alexander, uncle to Alexander the Great, arrived at Taras in 334 as defender, the leader of a mercenary army from Epirus hired to help defend Taras from the indigenous Italian tribes. However he was quickly seen to have something more in the way of conquest in mind. Having ignored the warning of the Oracle at the Temple of Zeus Dodona, Alexander pushed west and fulfilled prophecy, being killed while fighting the Lucanians at Pandosia, near the River Acheron.
The murex shell played a very large part in the Tarentine economy, producing a rich purple dye. In fact the early reference books simply describe it as “a purple shell”. Purple cloth from Taras was considered a great luxury throughout the Mediterranean.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria83 views302-228 BC
AR Diobol (13mm, 0.93g)
O: Head of Athena right wearing plain crested Attic helmet.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; club behind, ΦΙ between legs, [T]APANTIN to right.
Vlasto 1404; McGill II, 178; HN Italy 912
ex Aegean Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria83 views500-430 BC (Period I)
AR Litra (10mm, 0.68g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Head of Taras left.
Vlasto 1166; Cote 53; McGill II, 145; HN Italy 840
Very Scarce
From the Lewis Egnew collection. ex Superior Galleries; ex Harlan J. Berk
A wonderful example of late archaic style, these early litrae are all fairly scarce and quite desirable.
The reverse of this type is often referred to as ‘Female head left’, or ‘Head of nymph Satyra left’. George Brauer Jr. confirms this in his book 'Taras; It's History and Coinage' (1986), but cites no source. Satyra was the mother of Taras. The style differs slightly from die to die, but in none of them do I really see a female head. Effeminate perhaps, but Apollo and Dionysus have both taught us that lesson.
So once again I find myself agreeing with Vlasto and I believe this to be the head of Taras, which was also common to some of the larger coins of the period.
Both left and right facing busts are known.
Με βαθύτατη ευγνωμοσύνη αγαπητέ μου αγαπητέ φίλε ΣηαννονEnodia
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Taras, Calabria77 views235-212 BC (Period IX - The Roman Alliance II)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.21g)
Xenokrathes magistrate.
O: Bearded strategos on horse parading left, wearing short tunic and chlamys, raising right hand, short sword in scabbard under left arm; monogram and pileus above, Ξ ENO - KP ATHC in two lines below.
R: Taras wearing leafy crown, astride dolphin left, naked but for chlamys raised in left hand and draping over right thigh, trident over right shoulder; waves and cuttlefish below, [Τ]ΑΡΑΣ to left, monogram to right.
Vlasto 958; Evans IX, G1; Cote 579; HN Italy 1058
ex Roma Numismatics
An interesting piece from the last days of Tarentine independence.
Evans divides the Horsemen of the post-Pyrrhic era into Period VIII (272-235 BC) and Period IX, which he terminates at 228 BC with the alleged closing of the mint, but which hoard evidence suggests should be extended to the Punic occupation of 212.
The coins of the former category are of a decidedly inferior style compared to those of the previous century, but Period IX reveals something of a renaissance, and many of these coins are of fine style. Surely this is befitting the final truly Tarentine issues.
The Vlasto catalog describes the obverse figure as “Single Dioskuros…”. likely due to the pileus in the field above (almost off-flan here). However this mounted nobleman must certainly be the model for the less impressive Punic issues of Period X.
The obverse die is peculiar for its use of the ‘lunar E’ in the magistrate’s name, which was not typical at Taras.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria127 views302-228 BC
AR Diobol (12-14mm, 1.08g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin.
R: Herakles standing left, strangling the Nemean lion; club above Ionic capital to right, TAP above.
Vlasto 1415; Cote 423; HN Italy 1064
Rare
From the Colin E. Pitchfork collection. ex CNG; ex Quadriga Ancients
Left-facing Athena’s are slightly less common on Tarentine coinage, and Corinthian helmets a bit moreso. But a left-facing Herakles is quite scarce and I am very happy to add this one to my collection.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria47 views334-302 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.06g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion.
Vlasto 1236; Cote 248; SNG Cop 994; McGill II, 148; SNG ANS 1359; HN Italy 914
From the Colin E. Pitchfork collection. ex CNG
The image of Herakles wrestling the Nemean lion on this series was inspired by the coinage of Herakleia, a Tarentine colony in Lucania and the headquarters of the Italiote League during the first half of the 4th century BC.
After the conquest of Herakleia by the Massapians in 356 leadership of the League was transferred to Taras, who began minting these diobols as a federal issue. It became almost as ubiquitous as the dolphin rider type, circulating as small change throughout southern Italy.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria87 views345-334 BC (Period IV)
AR Diobol (12mm, 0.88g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles, holding club overhead, kneeling left on the back of the Nemean lion; [N]O above lion’s head, cornucopia to right.
Vlasto 1427; cf Cote 443-44; HN Italy 913
Scarce
ex Jencek Historical Enterprise
A scarce little coin featuring yet another scene from Herakles’ epic battle with the Nemean lion.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria55 views302-281 BC
AR Drachm (15mm, 3.11g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone.
R: Owl with closed wings standing right on olive branch; [TAP] behind.
Vlasto 1047-53; cf McGill II, 135; HN Italy 975; Sear 367v
"I lie far from Italy and far from Taras my home.
This is more bitter to me than death."
~ Leonidas of Taras
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria115 views473-430 BC
AR ¼ Litra (7mm, 0.19g)
O: T with three pellets around.
R: T with three pellets around.
Vlasto 1191; Cote 182; McGill II, 147; HN Italy 853
Very scarce
ex Sam Sloat Coins
This tiny coin is part of a group of five or so very unusual fractions minted at Taras.
While not very sexy, it is quite scarce and a vital part of any Tarentine collection, and I'm extremely happy to have found it.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria27 views380-325 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 1.12g, 1h)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; bow, quiver, and club to left; K between legs, [|- to lower right].
Vlasto 1241 (this coin); HN Italy 914
From the David Wray Collection. ex Michel P. Vlasto Collection; ex CNG
Vlasto plate coin, #1241
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria120 views281-235 BC
AR Litra (Obol?) (9mm, 0.52g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, holding cornucopia in right hand and palm branch in left; AP monogram in field to right.
Very Scarce
Vlasto 1602; Cote 387v
While Pausanias tells us that the eponymous hero of Taras was the son of Poseidon, a new theory has been posited by Anton Boras, based on evidence from excavations north of Athens, which claims that Taras was in fact the son of Leonidas of Sparta and the goddess Gaia.
I am certainly interested in hearing anything further from these digs.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria96 views325-281 BC
AR Litra (10.1mm, 0.57g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin right; bunch of grapes and I below.
Vlasto 1527; cf Cote 417; SNG ANS 1512v (letter)
ex Forvm Ancient Coins
"Tarentum is a colony of the Lakedaimonians... They say that Taras the hero was a son of Poseidon by a Nymphe of the country, and that after this hero were named both the city and the river. For the river, just like the city, is called Taras."
~ Pausanias 10.10.8Enodia
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Taras, Calabria64 views302-228 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 0.85g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing plain crested Attic helmet.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; club behind, owl with spread wings between legs.
Vlasto 1405
ex Gibud & Naumann
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria92 views443-400 BC
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.91g)
O: Phalanthos seated left on dolphin, extending right hand and holding cuttle fish in left; scallop shell below, all within plain linear border.
R: Naked Taras seated left on diphros, right hand extended, lekythos dangling from left.
Vlasto 255; SNG ANS 860; HN Italy 844; Sear 330v
ex Pegasi Numismatics; ex ECIN
These didrachms, known as the ‘Oekist types‘, immediately pre-date the more famous equestrian types usually associated with Taras.
Early attributions, including that of Sir Arthur Evans, describe the seated figure on the reverse as the Demos of the city, but as no such personification of ‘The People’ was typically used at this time Vlasto (among others) have rejected this theory in favor of a representation of the oekist, or founder of the city, in this case Taras.
However even this theory is ripe for discussion, as the city’s founder was not Taras but rather Phalanthos.
More recently Dionysus has been suggested, and certain varieties show iconography which would seem to support this (although not this particular specimen).
But I will give the last word here to George Brauer who, in his marvelous book ‘Taras: It’s History and Coinage‘ (1986), writes “The consensus today is that the Tarentines would actually have understood him to be Taras, possibly as eponymous founder, more likely as eponymous hero.”Enodia
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Taras, Calabria137 views325-280 BC
AR Tritemorion (3/4 Obol) (8mm, 0.43g)
O: Bridled horse’s head right; eight-rayed star to right.
R: Bridled horse’s head right.
Vlasto 1707; Cote 261v; McGill II, 212v (no star); HN Italy 981; SNG ANS 1560v (no star); Sear 358v (no star)
ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria82 views380-325 BC
AR 3/8 Obol (7mm, 0.15g, 7h)
O: Head of nymph Satyra right, within dotted border.
R: Kantharos; three pellets around.
Vlasto 1220
Scarce
ex Roma NumismaticsEnodia
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Taras, Calabria114 viewsCALABRIA. Tarentum. Ca. 280-228. AR diobol (0.97 gm).
Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet decorated with Scylla / Infant Heracles strangling snakes; thunderbolt in exergue. HN Italy 1068. SNG ANS 1473. Obverse somewhat off-center, but otherwise Extremely Fine.
Leo
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Taras, Calabria65 views325-280 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 1.17g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; owl standing left above lion.
Vlasto 1323-24; Cote 463; SNG Cop 976; SNG ANS 1413; SNG Lloyd 245; HN Italy 976
From the E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection. ex Naville Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria57 views325-280 BC
AR Litra (11mm, 0.64g, 12h)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin leaping right; small dolphin left above, |-HP(?) below.
Vlasto 1489 (this coin); McGill II, 182; HN Italy 979
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex MNS
Vlasto plate coin, #1489.
“... The part of the small denominations, which owing to their small size, have always been ignored by the collectors, show such a sequence of small works of art, and so complete, that every museum would be pleased to have it in its cabinet. For many numismatists some of these tiny pieces, will be a real revelation.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria105 views212-209 BC (Period X - The Punic Occupation)
AR Half-Shekel (Reduced Nomos) (22mm, 3.94g)
Sokannos magistrate.
O: Warrior on horseback right, holding filleted palm frond in right hand, rein in left; ΣΩKAN-NA below.
R: Phalanthos on dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand, trident in left; eagle with open wings standing left behind, TAPAΣ below.
Vlasto 984-86; Cote 605-06; SNG ANS 1272; HN Italy 1082; SNG Ashmolean 420-1; Sear 383v (drachm)
ex CNG
Popular history suggests that the Romans shut down the Tarentine mint circa 228 BC. No further coins were produced (at least in silver) until Hannibal captured the city in 212, at which time these “reduced nomoi” were struck for the approximately three years of occupation using the Punic standard.
While the earlier horseman/dolphin rider types were renewed at this time, the artistic quality was greatly diminished.
Also, the magistrate names differed greatly from the earlier coins and were likely not even Hellenic. One theory is that the names were those of the local indigenous peoples (Messapians, etc), although I believe they were more likely Carthaginian and probably those of Hannibal’s own administrators.
What a shame that the last emissions from this once great city should be so debased.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria74 views380-345 BC (Period III - The Age of Archytas)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.37g, 11h)
O: Naked youth crowning horse standing right; kerykeion before, Λ below, all within linear border.
R: Taras seated sideways on dolphin left, resting his left hand on its tail; H (signature) on body of dolphin, P below, TAPAΣ to left, all within linear border.
Vlasto 352; Evans III, A2; Cote 121v; Fischer-Bossert 442d; Sear 341v
Rare
From the Frank James Collection. ex Forvm Ancient Coins; ex Roma Numismatics
A noted general, inventor, mathematician and philosopher, Archytas was a Pythagorean and friend of Plato, and likely responsible for saving the latter from death at the hands of Dionysius II of Syracuse.
While not one of the more exciting designs from the Taras mint, this coin, signed by ’H', or 'HP’, is still nicely rendered and actually quite rare. Fischer-Bossert sites only 7 known examples. I do not know if this specimen is one of those.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria86 views302-228 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.05g, 10h)
O: Head of Athena facing slightly right, wearing triple crested helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; club above amphora to left, ΕΥP between legs.
Vlasto 1438; Cote 597; SNG Cop 1004; HN Italy 1062
Very Scarce
From the Frank James collection. ex Spinks; ex Walter Holt; ex Roma Numismatics
Facing heads do not occur often on Tarentine coinage, and the Athena with triple-crested helmet motif has always captivated me, so i am very happy to add this scarce type to my collection.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria92 views380-325 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.22g, 11h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp; Ξ behind neck-flap.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; [club] to left, TA above.
Vlasto 1296 (this coin); HN Italy 912
From the M.P Vlasto Collection. ex Pegasi Numismatics; ex MNS
Vlasto plate coin, #1296.
"Mr. Vlasto's collection of Tarentine coins is certainly the most complete that exists; practically all known varieties are represented; its catalog can therefore be considered a real corpus of the coinage of Tarentum. Numerous are the rare or unique specimens; but what makes this collection an outstanding one is its large number of exceptionally well preserved coins. Mr. Vlasto was never content with his specimens; if he could get a better one, he never missed the opportunity. He used to tell me that in some cases he had changed six specimens of the same coin and that he would even change the sixth if he could find a better one. The result is that many of his coins are really wonderful gems of priceless value. Any collector would be proud to have just one of them in his collection."
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)Enodia
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Taras, Calabria39 views470-450 BC
AR Hemilitra (7.5mm, 0.34g)
O: Scallop shell within linear border.
R: Head of nymph Satyra right.
Vlasto 1178; HN Italy 841
ex Naville Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria69 views315-302 BC (Period V)
AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.63g, 4h)
O: Warrior, preparing to throw spear and holding shield and two more spears, on horse rearing right; ΣA below.
R: Phalanthos, holding arrow and bow, astride dolphin right; |-HP and HP monogram below, TAPAΣ to left.
Vlasto 630; Fischer-Bossert Group 68, 818; Evans V, B18; SNG ANS 1011; HN Italy 938
From Group SGF. ex CNG
Sir Arthur Evans places this coin at the end of Period V, during the time of Kleonymus, and the martial themes on both sides of this coin, unusual on Tarentine coinage, may support this theory.
Kleonymus, the unworthy heir to the Spartan throne, was yet another in a line of self-serving mercenary generals to come to the aid of Taras (circa 302 BC), but he was no more successful than his predecessors.
This is the first right-facing dolphin in my collection. While not rare, these occur less often than the typical left-facing types.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria92 views302 - 281 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (16mm, 3.09g, 3h)
Nikokrates magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone.
R: Owl with closed wings standing right on Ionic capital, head facing; [NIKO]KPAT[HΣ] to left, TA to right.
Vlasto 1099 (this coin); HN Italy 1052
From the M.P. Vlasto Collection. ex CNG
Vlasto plate coin, #1099.
“Michel P. Vlasto was born in Athens on the 1st February 1874 and studied in Marseilles.
… He was a born artist and very good at drawing. His artistic feeling made him a real worshipper of Greek art; everything beautiful charmed him; if he could have done so a museum would have been his home. The real pleasure he felt in admiring a beautiful work of Greek art was so intense that he used to say he could not imagine life without Art and that Beauty and Happiness went together. As a result he could not feel happy unless he was surrounded by Beauty. The room where he used to spend most of his leisure was a kind of temple in which a few perfect specimens of Greek art were the idols he worshipped in a real religious way.
… But all these splendid surroundings were only the frame of the world famous collection of Tarentine coins which represented his chief interest in life and really his sole hobby. But he did not limit himself to collecting coins as most collectors do; he was a real self-made scholar; his knowledge of Tarentine numismatic was complete; there was not a single coin in a public or private cabinet which he did not know, and nothing was said or written about Tarentum, its history and its art which escaped him. He published several contributions to numismatics and many of his books are famous.”
~ Oscar E. Ravel (Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - 1947)
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria55 views281-209 BC
Æ21 (21mm, 8.04g)
O: Laureate head of Zeus right.
R: Nike standing right, holding thunderbolt; [TA]PANTIN[ΩN] to right.
Vlasto 1799; Cote 220; Laffaille 35; Sear 607
Rare
ex Praefectus Coins
Apart from Athena on its prolific series of diobols Taras was not particularly known for portrait coins. Here we find Zeus, or more appropriately Zeus Kataibates, ‘The Descender‘ or ‘He Who Comes Down’. This epithet refers to His ability to send thunder and lightning down from the sky, apparent here in the thunderbolt Nike holds in Her hands.
While not generally represented on their coins, the cult of Zeus must have been strong at Taras. A 66 foot bronze colossus of the Father of the Gods, attributed to the sculptor Lysippus, stood in the city, and most residents of Taras had a small column-shrine to Zeus Kataibates in front of their homes as a protection against lightning strikes.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria55 views281-228 BC
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.95g)
O: Diademed head of nymph Satyra left, wearing triple-pendant earring.
R: Nude youth on horseback right crowning horse and holding reins; star of eight rays above, dolphin below, TA beneath raised foreleg.
Vlasto 1036-37, Cote 548; McGill II, 131; SNG ANS 1301; HN Italy 1098; Sear 366v
ex Praefectus Coins
These so-called Campano-Tarentine (or sometimes Bruttio-Tarentine) types are a numismatic enigma.
The idea of an alliance was originally put forth in the 19th century due to the apparent similarity of the obverse portraits of this series with the coins of Neapolis and other Campanian cities. However the nymph depicted here is more likely to be the local Satyra rather than Campanian Parthenope, and there is no direct historical evidence of any alliance between Taras and the Campanians during this period.
The heavier standard may mean that this series was intended to circulate outside of Taras as a federal issue, or possibly as a trade unit. Further, no coins of this type have been found within the city itself.
It has also been suggested that these coins were struck as tribute to Rome, and the apparent timeframe is in line with such a theory.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria54 views280-228 BC
AR Litra (9.5mm, 0.72g)
O: Scallop shell.
R: Dolphin swimming left; E below.
SNG ANS 1529v; Vlasto ----; HN Italy 979
Scarce
ex Ancient Imports
Scarce left-facing dolphin.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria48 views325-280 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.14g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a hippocamp.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; EY above.
Vlasto 1302 (this coin); HN Italy 976
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex MNS
Vlasto plate coin, #1302.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria33 views325-280 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.77g)
O: Head of Athena facing slightly left, wearing triple-crested helmet decorated with Skylla; club to left, [TAPAΣ] above.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; club to left, AP monogram between Herakles legs.
Vlasto 1464; Cote 558; SNG ANS 1476; cf HN Italy 1062
Scarce
ex Marcantica Ancient Coins
There are many stories in Greek mythology regarding the goddess Athena; Her involvement in the War of the Giants, the contest with Poseidon to determine the patron of Athens, Her weaving contest with Arachne, the Judgment of Paris, and the blinding of Teiresias for viewing Her while bathing are among the most commonly known.
But it is Her assistance to Herakles during his Twelve Labors which concerns us here, the first of which, the slaying of the Nemean lion, is depicted on the reverse of this coin.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria56 views470-450 BC
AR Didrachm (17mm., 7.82g)
O: Taras riding dolphin right, holding cuttlefish in right hand, left hand extended.
R: Hippocamp right; TAPA beneath, scallop shell below.
Vlasto 107(?); cf McGill II, 3; HN Italy 827; SNG ANS 837; SNG Cop 772-773
Scarce
ex ACR Auctions; ex Praefectus Coins
The hippocamp reverse type was undoubtedly one of the first non-incuse didrachms minted at Taras, occuring at the very beginning of the fifth century. However these small module coins were minted slightly later than the spread-flans, probably 470-450 BC.
"He [Poseidon] towers on high above the peaceful waves, urging his team of Hippokampoi with his three-pronged spear: frontwise they run at furious speed amid showers of foam, behind they swim and blot out their footprints with their tails."
~ Statius, Achilleid 1. 25 ff Enodia
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Taras, Calabria57 views344-334 BC (Period IV)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.54g)
Signed by the Kal... engraver.
O: Nude horseman right, wearing shield on left arm and holding two spears in left hand, preparing to thrust third spear held in right hand; |- behind, Δ before, ΚΑΛ and Δ below.
R: Phalanthos astride dolphin right, holding crested helmet; stars flanking, ΤΑΡΑΣ to left, ΚΑΛ below.
Vlasto 545; Cote 215; McGill II, 41; Evans IV, H3; HN Italy 896; SNG ANS 971; Sear 345
ex Monarch Beach
Archidamos III reigned as King of Sparta from 360 BC until his death in 338. Summoned by the Tarentines to assist them in the first Lucanian war, he lead a mercenary army to Manduria in Calabria, where he fell in battle against the combined forces of the Messapians and Lucanians.
The historian Diodorus suggests that the death of Archidamos and the massacre of his army was divine vengeance for his plundering of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
The 4th century artist known to us only as the KAL engraver was arguably the finest die engraver in Magna Graecia. Specializing in common everyday scenes and eschewing the more aristocratic themes, his work had a certain elegance and sensitivity rarely seen in numismatic art.
The dolphin rider on this coin is bowing his head slightly and looking very pensively at the helmet in his hands. Is Phalanthos mourning for King Archidamos here? Sir Arthur Evans thought so, and the two stars on this reverse (one off flan), representing the Dioskouri and therefore Sparta the Mother City, lends credence to this idea. If so, then no other engraver could have captured this moment and this emotion quite like KAL…
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria34 views380-334 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.03g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles kneeling left, strangling the Nemean lion; club behind.
cf Vlasto 1325; Cote ---; McGill ---; SNG ANS 1412v
Very Scarce
ex Spartan Numismatics
A very uncommon left-facing Herakles.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria45 views302-228 BC
AR Obol (11mm, 0.42g)
O: Kantharos; Φ and two pellets around.
R: Kantharos; two pellets and crown around.
Vlasto ---; Cote---; McClean ---; McGill ---; HN Italy 1076; Sear 357v
Very scarce
ex Pop Numismatik
"To the must-drinking Satyrs and to Bacchus, planter of the vine, Heronax consecrated the first handfuls of his plantation, these three casks from three vineyards, filled with the first flow of the wine; from which we, having poured such libation as is meet to crimson Bacchus and the Satyrs, will drink deeper than they."
~ 'The Vintage Revel', Leonidas of Tarentum
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria30 views302-228 BC
AR Obol (11mm, 0.35g)
O: Kantharos, 5 pellets around, within dotted border.
R: Bucranium.
Vlasto 1615-17; SNG France 2201; HN Italy 918
Scarce
From the E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection. ex Naville Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria69 views380-325 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 1.15g, 2h)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp.
R: Naked Herakles seated half-left on dead lion right, holding cup in right hand and club in left.
Vlasto 1235 (this coin); HN Italy 910
Extremely Rare
From the AG Collection. ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; ex Vecchi 17; ex CNG
Vlasto plate coin, #1235.
Yet another reverse featuring Herakles‘ first labor. Here we see the final scene with our Hero, having slain the Nemean lion, now resting on the dead carcass and raising his cup. One can easily imagine him wondering how he is going to skin this impenetrable beast.
This coin is extremely rare, and Vlasto cites only this single die combination. While I am pretty sure it isn’t unique I could find no other specimen of this type listed anywhere.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria51 views272-235 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.97g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet (T behind?).
R: Herakles standing right, fighting Nemean lion with club in right hand; T to left.
Vlasto 1413
Very Scarce
ex Spartan Numismatics
Herakles Battle With the Nemean Lion
“… so the terrible lion arched himself and sprang from far upon me, raging to taste my flesh. I held in one hand my darts and the cloak from my shoulders, folded; with the other I swung my seasoned club about my ears and smashed it down on his head, but split the wild olive, rugged as it was, asunder on the invincible brute's maned skull. Before he could come at me, he fell, dropping down on the ground and stood on trembling feet swaying his head, for darkness swam about his eyes swaying his head, for darkness swam about his eyes at the stunning shock to the brain's core.”
~ Theocritus, Idylls 25. 132 ffEnodia
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Taras, Calabria59 views400-390 BC (Period II)
AR Nomos (22mm, 7.74g, 2h).
O: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding akrostolion in extended right hand; Λ below, all within linear border.
R: Naked ephebe holding small shield in left hand, dismounting from horse cantering left; ΤΑΡΑΣ below, all within linear border.
Vlasto 309; Fischer-Bossert Group 26, 339 (V154/R263); Evans II, type C; Cote 108; McGill II, 13; HN Italy 849
ex CNGEnodia
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Taras, Calabria77 views280-228
AR Diobol (11mm, 1.04g)
O: Two horse heads, joined at truncation; four ):( symbols around.
R: Two horse heads back-to-back; four ):( symbols around.
Vlasto 1688 (trihemiobol); McGill II, 210v (trihemiobol); HN Italy 1072 (diobol); Sear 353v (diobol)
Rare
From the E.E. Clain Stefanelli collection. ex Naville Numismatics
Vlasto defines this series as ‘trihemiobols’, claiming the ):( symbol to be a mark of value. Whether this is true, and if so why this symbol relates to a trihemiobol, which suggests an approximate weight of .75g, I cannot say. However based on an obol of .50g I would have to agree with Rutter et al and declare this type to be a diobol.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria35 views380-334BC
AR Diobol (13mm, 0.88)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with hippocamp.
R: Herakles kneeling right with club in right hand, wrestling the Nemean lion; quiver below.
Vlasto 1260; HN Italy 911; Sear 351v
ex Robert Ball Nchf, Berlin (1917-1934);
ex Aegean Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria36 views520-473 BC.
AR Obol (9.5mm., 0.48g).
O: Head of nymph Satyra right.
R: Three crescents facing outward around central pellet.
Vlasto 1139v (head left); HN Italy 924v (head left)
Very Rare
ex Savoca Coins
A rare and unpublished variety with the nymph facing right. Vlasto knew of only the left-facing type, and his specimen may have been unique.
I’ve gone with Vlasto’s dating on this one, although based on style I believe this should probably be revised to a slightly later date.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria34 views280-228 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.57g).
O: Kantharos; pellet above and to right, flying Nike with wreath to left.
R: Kantharos; pellet above and to left, E to right.
Vlasto 1668v (Nike to right); HN Italy 1076
Scarce
ex London Ancient Coins
Another unpublished variety, this one a mirror image of Vlasto 1668, with Nike flying left instead of right.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria54 views272-235 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.18g, 2h).
O: Youth on horseback left, crowning horse; cornucopia in field to right, |-APEAC (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand and upright trident in left; POΛY behind, ΤΑΡΑΣ below..
Vlasto 822; Evans VIII, A4; Cote 456; HN Italy 997; cf Sear 374
From the W. H. Guertin Collection; ex CNG
The symbolism of the cornucopia has many origins in ancient lore, from the story of Zeus and Amaltheia to that of Herakles and the river-god Acheloos. Dionysus is also associated with the “horn of plenty”.
All of these deities were venerated at Taras, so the appearance of the cornucopia on this coin may be connected to any of the three, although the kantharos in Taras‘ extended right hand on the reverse makes the cult of Dionysus quite compelling.
George Brauer Jr. (‘Taras: Its History and Coinage’) suggests that the cornucopia can represent “the fruits of war”, and while the city of Taras was constantly fighting one battle or another during its long history, I believe the commonly seen Nike would be a more appropriate symbol of a military victory, and the passive nature of this particular type, with Taras holding his trident in a decidedly non-threatening posture, also seems to argue against this idea. In addition the fact that the city had just been subdued by Rome would apparently put Brauer’s theory to rest, at least in this case.
Of course the answer may be as simple as a local celebration of a particularly prosperous year, or a thank you to Demeter for an abundant harvest. We may never know for certain, but this kind of speculation can be half the fun of collecting!Enodia
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Taras, Calabria35 views272-235 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.36g)
O: Naked youth on horseback left, crowning horse with right hand; ∆I above, ΦIΛΩ / TAC in two lines below.
R: Phalanthos on dolphin left, holding kantharos and distaff; cock standing left behind, TAPAΣ below.
Vlasto 847; Evans VIII, A11; Cote 485; McGill II, 96; HN Italy 1024; SNG ANS 1173-77
ex Numisantique
The cock on the reverse of this coin may be a reference to Apollo, or might symbolize ‘a new dawn rising’, possibly referring to Taras’ recent alliance with their old nemesis, Rome.
However it is more likely that this is simply a symbol of the magistrate under whom this coin was struck, in this case one Philotos, which was not an uncommon practice on these post-Pyrrhic didrachms of Taras.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria51 views325-280 BC
AR Hemilitron (10mm, 0.39g, 11h)
O: Scallop Shell.
R: Dolphin leaping right; hare below.
Vlasto 1596; HN Italy 980
ex Saint Paul Antiques
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria52 views272-235 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (18.5mm, 6.50g)
O: Nude youth on horseback right, placing wreath on horse's head; ΦI behind, I-ΩΠ-YPO-[Σ] (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding cornucopiae and trident; bee to right, Τ-ΑΡΑΣ below.
Vlasto 855; Evans VIII, B2; McGill II, 99; Cote 490-92; HN Italy 1029 SNG ANS 1183
ex Dr. Busso Peus; ex Germania Inferior Numismatics
Evans calls the insect on this reverse a cicada, a very important symbol in ancient times (see J.C.B Petropolous’ marvelous work ‘Heat and Lust; Hesiod’s Midsummer Festival Scene Revisited’, a very insightful look at ancient agricultural and fertility practices). However Vlasto lists this as a bee, and I tend to think this is likely. It sure looks more like a bee to me.
It’s a real pity that the obverse is struck off-center here, as the artistic and natural rendering of the horse is not typical of these late period didrachms.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria45 views302-228 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 0.85g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet.
R: Herakles kneeling left on back of Nemean lion and holding him by the tail, about to beat lion with club held overhead; owl below.
Vlasto 1431; cf McGill II, 180; SNG ANS 1463; SNG France 2129; SNG ANS 1463; HN Italy 1065
ex Eukratides Ancient Numismatics
Here we see Herakles, having strangled the Nemean lion into submission, about to deliver the decisive blow. His knee is on its back and he has the lion by the tail, club raised to bash the life out of the beast.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria43 views281-209 BC
AE 14 (13.5mm, 1.85g)
O: Scallop shell with 11 teeth.
R: Kithara with six strings; olive branch to left.
Vlasto 1850; HN Italy 1092; SNG France- ---; McGill ---; Cote ---
Very Rare
ex Agora Auctions
This very rare bronze is the last 'official' Tarentine coin listed in Vlasto's collection. The lyre is, of course, symbolic of Apollo, and while such a reference is not typically seen on the more common coins of Taras, the cult of Apollo Hyakanthus was strong in the city (as well as in the mother city of Sparta) and may be seen represented on the earliest (and very rare) incuse coinage struck here, as well as various gold issues.
While not stunning in its beauty, I have only found two other specimens online, and so was very glad to find one for myself.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria107 views480-470 BC
AR Hexante (5mm, 0.08g)
O: Scallop shell with 7 teeth, within linear border.
R: Wheel with four spokes.
Vlasto 1118; Cote 11; SNG France 1617; HN Italy 836
Rare
From the E.E. Clain-Stephanelli collection. ex Naville Numismatics
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Only a few less than can dance on this coin!
This tiny and rare little coin is now the smallest in my collection. Being but 5mm and weighing less than 1/10th of a gram, this coin is about the size the LED 'Power On' light on a small device.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria47 views380-334 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.24g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; A above.
Vlasto 1315; HN Italy 976
From the D. Alighieri collection. ex CNG
I acquired this coin mainly for the provenance, but also because, despite the fact that the Vlasto catalog claims it to be "of barbarous style", I think the fully crested portrait of Athena is quite pretty.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria65 views302-281 BC (Period VI)
AR Didrachm (20.5mm, 7.88g)
Arethon magistrate.
O: Naked boy of androgynous aspect crowning horse standing right, left foreleg raised; ΣA above, APE/ΘΩN (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding tripod in extended right hand; TAPAΣ around to right, CAΣ below.
Vlasto 666; Evans VI, A-1; Cote 321; McGill II, 59; SNG France 1869; HN Italy 957; SNG Cop 862; SNG ANS 1046-50
ex Germania Inferior Numismatics
Struck between the time of Kleonymos and the coming of Pyrrhus, Period VI represents the first appearance of the full length magistrate signatues on Tarentine coinage, in this case one Arethon.
This type (along with Vlasto 836) is possibly the most common didrachm in the entire series. Still, this specimen is very well centered with a full tripod showing on the flan, and has some nice golden highlights which i find quite appealing.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria60 views520-473 BC
AR Hexante (5mm, 0,11g)
O: Wheel of four spokes.
R: Wheel of four spokes.
Vlasto 1123; SNG France 1620; HN Italy 978
Rare
ex Goduto
The spoked wheel motif was fairly common on archaic Greek coins, and its simplicity of design was especially suited to diminutive silver coins such as this one.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria63 views325-280 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 1.07g)
O: Head of young Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; TH above, club and astragalos behind, Φ between legs.
Vlasto 1355; Cote 190; HN Italy 978; Sear 352
Scarce
ex CDMA
Here once again is the battle scene being played out between Herakles and the Nemean lion, however on this coin we see the head of a relatively young Herakles in place of the usual helmeted Athena.
This variation is much scarcer than most of the Athena types.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria46 views302-280 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (17mm, 3.18g)
Zor... magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone.
R: Owl with folded wings standing right; TAP behind, ZOP (magistrate) and club to right.
Vlasto 1055; SNG France 1936-37; HN Italy 975; Sear 367v
ex TN Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria48 views212-209 BC (Period X - The Punic Occupation)
AR Half-Shekel (Reduced Nomos) (19mm, 3.28g)
Sogenis magistrate.
O: Nude youth on horseback to left, crowning horse with wreath; IΩ behind, ΣΩΓE - NHΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Taras astride dolphin to left, holding cornucopiae in right arm and Nike who crowns him with wreath in left; TAPA[Σ] below.
Vlasto 975-77; Evans X, B-1; SNG France 2064; McGill II, 119-20; HN Italy 1079
Very Scarce
ex Praefectus Coins
At half the weight of the previous ‘didrachms’ from Taras, this half-shekel coin was minted during the Punic occupation of the city from 212-209 BC.
The story of Hannibal’s capture of Tarentum is fascinating, but of far too great a scope to cover here. Courage and endurance, intrigue and treachery all played a part in the Carthaginians desperate need of a southern naval port to continue Hannibal’s dream of conquering the Italian peninsula. Yet after an occupation of three years he was forced to withdraw from the city, virtually ending the second Punic War. However with a naval command post and a way to access reinforcements and supplies from Carthage, who knows what shape the history of Rome might have taken?
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria45 views473-450 BC
AR Drachm (Half Nomos) (16mm, 3.53g)
O: Forepart of hippocamp with pointed wings right; TAPAΣ (retrograde) counterclockwise behind, scallop shell below.
R: Head of nymph Satyra right; TA clockwise behind, all within incuse circle.
Vlasto 157-59; Cote 60; HN Italy 839; SNG France 1610; SNG ANS 846
Rare
ex Savoca Coins
A rare early drachm, sometimes referred to as a 'half nomos'. The hippocamp could be seen as a Pegasus, but that device was unknown in Tarentine coinage while the hippocamp was quite common, and the scallop shell certainly gives credence to that idea.
Alfred Hands places this type much earlier, perhaps as early as 520 BC, while Ratto (the Cote catalog) suggests that the nymph is actually the obverse due to the retrograde ethnic.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria54 views4th-3rd century BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.13g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion; crab above, club behind.
HN Italy 976; Vlasto ----; Cote ---; SNG France ----; McGill ---
Scarce
ex Pavlos S. Pavlou
A scarce variety with the crab control mark, unlisted in most major references.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria39 views302-228 BC (Period VIII)
AR Diobol (13mm, 0.87g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet.
R: Herakles standing left, strangling the Nemean lion; club behind, TAPAN(?) to left.
cf Vlasto 1416-19; HN Italy 1064
Rare
ex Nomos (Obolos II)
This coin was sold as being from Teate, Apulia and Vlasto claims that this type was minted "in alliance with Teate". Both of these opinions are based on the ethnic reading TIATI, which it may, but I am not entirely convinced that it doesn't in fact read TAPAN.
In either case it is a very scarce type with Herakles facing left in his struggle with the Nemean lion, and is very similar to my specimen of the Vlasto 1415 diobol but without the Ionic capital below Herakles' club.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria10 views420-228 BC
AR Hemilitra (8mm, 0.33g)
O: Scallop shell with seven teeth.
R: Dolphin with large eye left.
Vlasto 1551
Scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex Herakles Numismatics
A scarce type with the dolphin swimming left.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria 31 views302-228 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.82g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with wing.
R: Herakles standing right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club behind, TAPAN above.
cf Vlasto 1365; HN Italy 976
Scarce
ex Savoca Coins
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria9 views302-228 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.25g)
O: Scallop shell with seven teeth, within linear border.
R: Two crescents back to back, with two pellets above and below.
Vlasto 1789-91; SNG France 2258-60; Cote 181; HN Italy 926
Very scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex Herakles Numismatics
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria34 views380-345 BC (Period III - The Age of Archytas)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.83g)
O: Naked ephebus with radiate hair riding galloping horse right, all within linear border.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, holding akrostolian in extended right hand, left hand on dolphins back; H (signature) on dolphins flank, ΤΑΡΑΣ below, all within linear border.
Vlasto 362; Fischer- Bossert 381 (V168/R296); SNG France 1712; McGill II, 19; Jameson 110; HN Italy 870
Rare
ex Roma Numismatics; ex Forvm Ancient Coins
Once again we see the 'H' signature on the side of the dolphin, although here we have a much less static horseman.
H only appears for a brief moment in Period III, and while Evans has an essay specifically dedicated to artist signatures he makes no mention of the enigmatic H or his galloping horse obverse.
On the engraver's few known specimens the signatures are all uniquely placed on the dolphin's flank.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria23 views325-280 BC
AR Tritemorion (3/4 Obol) (8mm, 0.38g)
O: Bridled head of horse right.
R: Bridled head of horse right; Φ to right.
cf Vlasto 1716; SNG France 2236; McGill II, 211v; HGC I, 926v; Cote 520v; Sear 358v; HN Italy 981
ex LAC
Possibly an unpublished variety with this control mark.
Enodia
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TARAS, CALABRIA AR Diobol Vlasto 1316, Herakles55 viewsOBV: Head of Athena in crested helmet left decorated with Skylla
REV: Herakles kneeling right, strangling lion
1.2g, 11mm
Struck at Taras, 380-334 BCLegatus
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Taras, Calabria AR diobol, 325-280 BC21 viewsCalabria, Taras
AR diobol
Taras, 325-280 BC
head of Athena r., wearing crested Attic helmet
Herakles fighting Nemean lion, club behind
SGCV I 351Ardatirion
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Taras, Calabria, AR Trihemiobol. Athena/ Hercules abusing lion9 viewsTaras, Calabria, AR Trihemiobol. 3rd century B.C. 0,8g, 13mm. Head of Athena left, wearing crested helmet / Hercules kneeling right, strangling Nemean lion, club behind. Cf. SGCV I 351var.Podiceps
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Taras, Calabria, Italy, c. 325 - 280 B.C.25 viewsSilver diobol, S 352, HN Italy 976, VF, Taras mint, 1.040g, 10.7mm, 0o, c. 325 - 280 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right in crested helmet; reverse [TARAN], Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion
ex FORVMareich
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Taras, Dolphin57 viewsTaras, Calabria
Circa 520-473 BC
AR Litra (12mm, 0.8g)
O" Scallop shell within linear border
R: Dolphin right within linear border; scallop shell below, ΤΑΡΑΣ (retrograde) above
Vlasto 1135; HN Italy 831.
Thank you to Enodia & Taras for the ID!Robin Ayers
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Taras, Tarentum, Silver Litra c. 500-430 B.C.17 viewsTaras, Tarentum, Calabria, Italy Silver Diobol c. 500-430 B.C.,
Taras mint, 9.9mm, 0.816 grams, die axis 135 degrees.
Obv: Cockle shell, linear border.
Rev: Head of Taras(?) left, in round incuse.
Ref: Vlasto 1160 (same dies).
Very Rare. VF.
mjabrial
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Taras. Circa 280-228 BC. AR Diobol26 viewsCALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280-228 BC. AR Diobol (10mm, 0.82 g).
Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet / Herakles standing left fighting the Nemean lion; club right. Vlasto 1415; HN Italy 1064. VF, some light smoothing in the fields on the both sides.Leo
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Taras; diobol; Athena/ Heracles abusing the Nemean lion12 viewsTaras, Calabria, Italy, c. 325 - 280 B.C., diobol. Silver diobol, SGCV I 351, HN Italy 976, VF, Taras mint, 1.040g, 10.7mm, 0o, c. 325 - 280 B.C.; obverse head of Athena right in crested helmet; reverse [ΤΑΡΑΝ], Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean Lion. Ex FORVM & areich, photo credit FORVMPodiceps
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Tarent23 viewsTarentum, Calabria. AR Litra (9 mm, 0.54 g), c. 480-470 BC.
Obv. Cockle shell.
Rev. Wheel of four spokes.
Vlasto 1106-1116; HN Italy 835.
Very rare. Dark find patina. Good very fine.areich
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Tarentum AR Nomos28 viewsCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 315-302 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.69 g, 8h).
Warror, preparing to throw spear and holding shield and two more spears, on horse rearing right; ΣA below / Phalanthos, holding kantharos, astride dolphin left; AP monogram above arm, pellet below arm; below, dolphin left. Fischer-Bossert Group 71, 859 (V338/R662); Vlasto 630; HN Italy 938. Good VF, some roughness and small deposit on obverse, small die break on reverse.
Traditionally this type has been attributed to a time span between 330 BC to 300 BC. However, we may correct the dating of this type, since the presence of the Epirote eight-rayed star on the hind leg of the horse indicates that this was a die produced during the intervention of King Alexander Molossus of Epeiros, who accepted an appeal by the Tarentines to campaign against their belligerent Italic neighbours the Brutii, Samnites and Lucani. This issue is linked by magistrates’ names and control symbols of marine significance to other issues of Alexander at Tarentum. Stylistically it must also be contemporaneous with the issues signed ‘KAL’, due to the undeniable similitude of the obverse die engraving which is in all probability the work of the same master who is often celebrated as the ‘KAL’ engraver. Though it is unlikely that was his name (see A. Johnston, The Coinage of Metapontum, Pt. 3), it remains possible and indeed probable that the same talented individual was responsible for the creation of dies at Tarentum, Metapontum and Herakleia.Leo
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Tarentum AR Nomos158 viewsITALY. Calabria , Taras (c.380-340 B.C.), Silver Nomos, 7.65g.
Naked ephebos, holding a small round shield and a lance, vaulting from a cantering horse left, ├ below horse. Rev. TAPAΣ , Taras as an ephebos seated astride dolphin to left, holding a Corinthian helmet in his right hand and leaning on the back of the dolphin with his left, I and waves below (Fischer-Bossert 657 (V252/R509); Vlasto 437 (these dies); SNG ANS 929 (these dies); SNG Lloyd 169). An almost invisible metal-flaw on reverse, of charming style, attractively toned, about extremely fine.
Ex：The Prospero Collection (The New York Sale, Auction XXVII, 2012)
The city of Tarentum was renowned throughout the ancient world for the quality of its horsemen, who served as mercenary cavalry for many foreign kings including Antigonos I, Demetrios I and Alexander of Epirus. The horsemen of Tarentum served as hippokontistai (mounted javelinmen), or in their specific case, elaphroi (skirmishing cavalry which throw javelins and dismount for hand to hand combat), but such was their fame that the term Tarantinoi came to mean any such skirmishing cavalry unit, regardless of their origin. Indeed, Asklepiodotos mentions Tarantinarchos (leader of Tarentines) as a military rank in Hellenistic Athens.
The scene depicted here is from an equestrian event of the Hyakinthia (the ceremonial games of Hyakinthian Apollo) which celebrated those special skills necessary in war. The armed rider would dismount at full gallop, run alongside his horse, and then remount in stride.Leo
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Tarentum, AE16. Added to Wildwinds, and it has been given my name as a reference with a number. Unpublished. Extremely Rare.7 viewsCalabria 3rd Century B.C. 4.17g - 16.1mm, Axis 12h.
Obv: Horse head right.
Rev: Dolphin swimming right, trident above.
Scarlioli 8029-8030. BMC:-; SNG Cop -; Paris -; Vlasto - . Vlasto 1849 var (sea horse for dolphin); Feuardent 874 var. (scallop shell for dolphin). Apparently unpublished.
Extremely Rare.
scarli
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[2000a] Taras, Calabria, Italy, c. 272 - 235 B.C.61 viewsSilver nomos, Vlasto 877, gVF, Taras mint, 6.497g, 20.0mm, 45o, c. 272 - 235 BC. Obverse: DI above, API-STI/KL-HS below, nude youth on horseback right, spearing downward; Reverse: TARAS, Phalanthos on dolphin left, holding trident; nymph head behind. Ex FORVM.
As the world's foremost numismatist, David R. Sear, has said, 'Magna Graecia and Sicily . . . undoubtedly represent the finest examples of numismatic art in the ancient world. Personally, I am quite drawn to the coins of Taras (Tarentum) because of their infinite variety of types on the basic theme of horseman and dolphin-rider.'
This "variation on a theme" concept appeals to me on many levels, and I am reminded of Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn. This masterpiece was, in fact, not composed by Haydn but Johannes Brahms. The B-flat major theme was "borrowed" from Haydn by Brahms for his composition. But there is another nice twist; modern scholarship, for the most part, now agrees that the theme wasn't Haydn's at all. He, too, had "borrowed" it.
So what does this detour into audio art's "variation on a theme" business have to do with numismatics? The ancient Greeks have a wonderful word for art "based upon" art; the word is ekphrasis (ecphrasis). It comes from the Greek ek 'out' and phrasis 'speak'. The verb ekphrazein, means to proclaim or call. One example of ekphrasis is a painting of a sculpture: the painting is "telling the story of" the sculpture, and so becoming a storyteller, as well as a story (work of art) itself. Or it may operate the other way round. Any art may describe any other art. In a manner that I find captivating, I understand these silver nomos of Taras as numismatic art "telling the story of" numismatic art: at once the story teller and the story.
J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr. Cleisthenes
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