Magna Graecia - Taras (Major Coins)
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Taras, Calabria272-240/35 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.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1356; Vlasto 836; Evans VIII, A8; Cote 473; cf McGill II, 92; SNG ANS 1165-70; 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, Calabria281-276 BC (Period VI - From Kleonymos to Pyrrhus)
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.
D'Andrea XLI, 996; Vlasto 703; Evans VI, E2; Cote 342; SNG ANS 1077-78; HGC I, 817; 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 276 to help pay for Pyrrhus' campaigns against the Romans. However the spearhead on the reverse is in this context definitely an Epirote symbol, making this one of the last coins struck on the old standard.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria276-272 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.
D'Andrea XLII, 1203; Vlasto 789-91; Evans VII, F2 or F6; Cote 413; SNG France 1920; McGill II, 84; HGC I, 887; 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, Calabria276-272 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.
D'Andrea XLI, 1186; Vlasto 714; Evans VII, A2; Cote 371-72; SNG ANS 1084-85; HGC I, 883; 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, Calabria276-272 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.
D'Andrea XLII, 1246 (this coin); Vlasto 1065; Cote 431; Evans VII, V; SNG France 1947
Very Rare
ex Auctiones GmbH; ex Rutten & Wieland
D'Andrea Plate Coin
Series XLII, 1246
This type is described by Sir Arthur Evans in ‘The Horsemen of Tarentum’, and is 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, Calabria276-272 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.
D'Andrea XLII, 1250; Vlasto 1075; Cote 432; cf McGill II, 139; Hands Period VII, Type VI; SNG France 1959; SNG ANS 1320; SNG Cop 959; 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, Calabria302-290 BC (Period V - From Alexander the Molossian to Kleonymos)
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.
D'Andrea XXXIX, 848; Vlasto 594; Cote 239; Evans V, B5; Fischer-Bossert 1022a; SNG ANS 991; SNG Cop 845; McGill II, 52; HGC I, 801; HN Italy 935
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, Calabria281-276 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.
D'Andrea XLI, 1009; Vlasto 1047-52; Cote 348; cf McGill II, 135; SNG ANS 1303-4; SNG Cop 952-53; 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, Calabria425-415 BC
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.91g)
O: Phalanthos seated left on dolphin, extending right hand and holding octopus in left; scallop shell below, all within plain linear border.
R: Naked Taras seated left on diphros, right hand extended, aryballos dangling from left.
D'Andrea XVII, 215; 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 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, Calabria212-209 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.
D'Andrea XLVI 1730; Vlasto 984-86; Cote 605-06; SNG ANS 1272; SNG Cop 951; 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, Calabria385-380 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.
D'Andrea XXII, 354; 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, Calabria315-302 BC (Period V - From Alexander the Molossian to Kleonymos)
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.
D'Andrea XXXVII, 777; Vlasto 631; 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, Calabria272 - 240/35 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.
D'Andrea XLII, 1425; Vlasto 1099 (this coin); SNG France 1951-52; SNG ANS 1324-25; 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, Calabria500-490 BC
AR Didrachm (17mm, 7.82g)
O: Taras riding dolphin right, holding octopus in right hand, left hand extended; TAPA-[Σ] below.
R: Hippocamp right; TAPA-[Σ] beneath, scallop shell below.
D'Andrea II, 22; Fischer-Bossert group 2, 34; cf McGill II, 3; Vlasto ---; 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-flan types.
"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, Calabria333-331/30 BC (Period IV - Archidamos and the Third Lucanian War)
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.
D'Andrea XXXII, 657; Vlasto 545; Cote 215; McGill II, 41; Evans IV, H3; HGC I, 794; 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, Calabria272-240/35 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.
D'Andrea XLIII, 1338; Vlasto 1036-37, Cote 548; McGill II, 131; SNG ANS 1301; SNG Cop 904; HN Italy 1098; Sear 366v
ex Praefectus Coins
These so-called Campano-Tarentine (or sometimes Bruttio-Tarentine) types are something of 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, Calabria240/35-212 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.
D'Andrea XLV, 1645 (this coin); Vlasto 958; Evans IX, G1; Cote 579; HN Italy 1058
ex Roma Numismatics
D'Andrea plate coin
Series XLV, 1645
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 at all typical at Taras.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria400-390 BC (Period II - Transitional)
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.
D'Andrea XX, 317; Vlasto 309; Fischer-Bossert Group 26, 339 (V154/R263); Evans II, type C; Cote 108; SNG France 1708; McGill II, 13; HGC I, 763; HN Italy 849
ex CNGEnodia
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Taras, Calabria272-240/35 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, |-AΠEAC (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand and upright trident in left; POΛY behind, ΤΑΡΑΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1352; Vlasto 822; Evans VIII, A4; Cote 456; SNG ANS 1160; SNG Cop 910; 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, Calabria272-240/35 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.36g)
Philotos magistrate.
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.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1364; Vlasto 847; Evans VIII, A11; Cote 485; McGill II, 96; SNG France 2009-10; SNG Cop 918; HN Italy 1024
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, Calabria272-240/35 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (18.5mm, 6.50g)
Iopyros magistrate.
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 behind, Τ-ΑΡΑΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1371; cfVlasto 855; Evans VIII, B2; McGill II, 99; Cote 490-92; cf HGC I, 889; HN Italy 1029; SNG Cop 919; SNG Cop 919
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, Calabria281-276 BC (Period VI - From Kleonymos to Pyrrhus)
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.
D'Andrea XLI, 974; Vlasto 666; Evans VI, A-1; Cote 321; McGill II, 59; SNG France 1869; HGC I, 813; HN Italy 957; SNG Cop 862; SNG ANS 1046-50
ex Germania Inferior Numismatics
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, Calabria281-276 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, ΞOP (magistrate) and club to right.
D'Andrea XLI, 1011; Vlasto 1055; SNG France 1936-37; SNG ANS 1307-11; SNG Cop 954-55; HN Italy 975; Sear 367v
ex TN NumismaticsEnodia
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Taras, Calabria212-209 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.
D'Andrea XLVI, 1727; Vlasto 975-77; Cote 589-90; Evans X, B-1; SNG France 2064; McGill II, 119-20; SNG ANS 1266-68; SNG Cop 949; 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?
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Taras, Calabria473-450 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.
D'Andrea IX, 115; Vlasto 157-59; Cote 60; SNG France 1610; HGC I, 822; SNG ANS 846; HN Italy 839
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 lends credibility 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, Calabria390,-385 BC (Period III - The Age of Archytas)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.83g)
O: Naked boy (Taras?) 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.
D'Andrea XXI, 328; 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, Calabria 272-240/35 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.47g)
Agatharkos magistrate.
O: Nude youth on horseback right, placing wreath on horse's head; ΑΓΑΘ-A / PXΟΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding cornucopia in left hand and [kantharos] in extended right hand; lighted torch behind, TAPAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1368; Vlasto 852-54; SNG France 2011; Evans VIII, B1; McGill II, 96-98; SNG ANS 1179-80; HN Italy 1028
ex Goduto Giuseppe
This coin attracted me, even though some reverse elements are slightly off center.
However most didrachms of this late period are very 'mushy', particularly the magistrates name and ethnic, so the scarcity of such a well struck specimen was too alluring to pass up.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria 340-335 BC (Period IV - Archidamos and the Third Lucanian War)
AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.26g)
O: Naked boy crowning horse standing right, second boy with long curls beneath picking stone from horse's hoof; Φ to right.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, holding trident and small shield in left hand, kantharos in extended right; Π and waves below, ΤΑΡΑΣ to right.
D'Andrea XXIX, 546; Vlasto 514; Fischer-Bossert 694 (V261, R541); Evans IV, C5; SNG France 1762; Cote 205; McGill II, 35; HGC I, 786; Sear 341; HN Italy 888
ex London Ancient Coins
This obverse depicts another unusual and delightfully passive scene from Period IV, this one likely inspired by a marvelous early stater from Ambracia (see 'The Colts of Ambracia' N37, page 137 by Oscar Ravel), where Bellerophon is tending to Pegasus' hoof.
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria 400-390 BC (Period II - Transitional)
AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.56g)
O: Warrior dismounting horse cantering left, holding small shield in left hand.
R: Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding oval shield in left hand and helmet in extended right; TAP[AΣ] below.
D'Andrea XX, 304; Vlasto 298; Fischer-Bossert 327v; Evans II, C; cf SNG France 1703; cf McGill II, 12; Cote 105-06; SNG ANS 869-71; Sear 334v; HN Italy 849
ex Aegean Numismatics
The earliest issues of Tarentine 'horsemen' depicted the dolphin rider on the obverse. Evans labelled this era Period I.
During the following period, which Evans called 'transitional', we start to see a shift to the more traditional horseman obverse with the dolphin rider moved to the reverse. By the end of Period II this format becomes universal.
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Taras, Calabria281-276 BC (Period VI - From Kleonymos to Pyrrhus)
AR Didrachm (20x24mm, 7.23g, 9h)
Nikottas Magistrate.
O: Helmeted warrior dismounting horse galloping left, holding small round shield; [EY above], NIKΩTTAΣ (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin right, holding trident over left shoulder and hurling javelin with right hand; ΛY behind, TAPAΣ to right, small hippocamp right below.
D'Andrea XLI, 987; Vlasto 699; Evans VI, Type E; HGC I, 817; HN Italy 968
Scarce
ex London Ancient Coins
Enodia
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Taras, Calabria430-425 BC (Period I - Transitional)
AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.78g)
O: Phalanthos riding dolphin right, right hand leaning on dolphin's back, left arm extended; scallop shell below.
R: Naked boy pacing horse right, holding reins with both hands.
D'Andrea XV, 184; Vlasto 267; Fischer-Bossert 231f; Evans I, Type C; SNG France 1678; cf Cote 103; HGC I, 761; HN Italy 847
Very scarce
ex London Ancient Coins
While the 'Equestrian' types are the most common and readily recognizable didrachms from Taras they were far from the first. The dolphin rider was initially depicted on late 6th century broad flan incuse coins, and later paired with the seated oikist, either as the obverse or the reverse, but the horseman did not make his first appearance until the middle of the 5th century BC, and then as the reverse motif. Sir Arthur Evans (The Horsemen of Tarentum, 1889) declared this era 'Period 1' and called it transitional as the dolphin rider would move to the reverse later in the century and the horseman would claim his rightful place on the front. It would remain this way until the mint closed circa 212 BC.
As an aside it is my belief that the young nude jockey throughout the series is actually Taras, son of Poseidon the God of horses.
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Taras, Calabria470-465 BC
AR Didrachm (18.5mm, 7.95g)
O: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, arms outstretched; [ΤΑΡΑΣ] to right, scallop shell below.
R: Head of nymph Satyra left, hair tied back in knot, within circular border; all within circular incuse.
Scarce
D'Andrea V, 82; Vlasto 150 (3rd Group); Fischer-Bossert 95, V49/R63 (Group 5); SNG France 1596-99; SNG ANS 843; HN Italy 838; HGC I, 756
Scarce
ex Savoca Numismatics
An interesting early, pre-equestrian didrachm featuring Satyra, mother of Taras.Enodia
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Taras, Calabria 272 - 240/35 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.42g)
Tippoda magistrate.
O: Warrior in close-fitting thorax riding horse galloping right, holding javelin overhead in right hand, reigns in left; |-IΠΠOΔA (magistrate) below.
R: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended left hand and distaff in right; ΔI and amphora behind, [Τ]ΑΡΑΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1402; Vlasto 904: SNG France 2042; McGill II, 112; HN Italy 1040; Evans VIII, K-1 (cornucopia); SNG ANS 1220-24; SNG Cop 930; HGC I, 894 (cornucopia)
ex Ken Dorney
An unremarkable coin, with the hobby-horse style obverse typical of the artistic degradation of the period (which would revive some in the following period).
This coin is also an early armored warrior type, although his breastplate is difficult to see here. Previous issues typically depicted the horseman wearing little more than a helmet and shield, whereas later designs carried fully armored warriors.
But what really caught my attention is the distaff carried by Phalanthos. Evans (no plate) lists only one example, but this with a cornucopia instead. The HGC specimen is the same, and the plate clearly shows a cornucopia with no reference to any other variety.
However Vlasto lists 4 die combinations, all of which carry the distaff, and again no cross-reference to a cornucopia type. SNG France and McGill are the same. I find this somewhat unusual.
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Taras, Calabria 272-240/35 BC
AR Didrachm (21mm, 6.11g)
Philemenos magistrate.
O: Naked boy riding horse right; [ΦI] before, ΦIΛHME-NOΣ (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin right, holding tripod in extended right hand, trident upwards in left; filleted bucranium in field to right, [T]APAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1391; Vlasto 884-87; SNG ANS 1204; HGC I, 891; HN Italy 1035
Scarce
ex Senatus Consulto
Enodia
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