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Klazomenai, IoniaLate 4th century BC
AE12 (12mm, 1.79g)
O: Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves, and triple pendant earring.
R: Head of ram to right; KΛΑ below.
Sear 4322
ex JAZ Numismatics
4 commentsEnodia04/14/24 at 02:36Virgil H: Lovely coin

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
3 commentsEnodia03/13/24 at 02:16CPK: Very nice!

Kroton, Bruttium 300-250 BC
AE13 (13mm, 2.03g)
O: Octopus
R: Scallop shell
Vlasto 1855; SNG Cop 1089; HN Italy 1095 (as Taras); SNG ANS 447 (as Kroton); HN Italy 2240 (as Kroton)
Rare
ex Bertolami Fine Arts

A very rare and enigmatic coin with conflicted attributions.
SNG Copenhagen places this coin at Taras, as does Vlasto, although Vlasto puts it under the heading "Bronze Coins Doubtfully Attributed to Tarentum" and claims Kroton as a probable alternative.
SNG ANS gives it clearly to Kroton, while HN Italy seems to attribute both cities with varying catalog numbers.
I believe this coin is likely from Kroton as this city-state often used the octopus as a common device.2 commentsEnodia03/12/24 at 12:01CPK: I like it!

Arpi, Apulia 275-250 BC
AE 26 (21x26mm, 6.28g)
O: Horse galloping right; APΠI / NOY above and below.
R: Bull butting right.
SNG ANS 644; SNG Cop 608; HGC I, 535; Sear 570; HN Italy 645
ex Marc Breitsprecher
3 commentsEnodia03/04/24 at 18:27quadrans: Great 🤗👍

Akragas, Sicily213-211 BC (Punic Occupation)
AR 1/4 Shekel (14mm, 2.11g)
O: Head of Triptolemus right, wreathed in corn.
R: Horse galloping right; Punic letters 'ht' below.
SNG Cop 379; HGC 2, 174; Burnett, Enna 151; de Luynes 3965; Weber 8540; Walker Group II, 1st Series
ex Tom Cederlind

One of the leading centers of Greek influence in the west during the 6th and 5th centuries BC, Akragas was sacked by Carthage in 406. Conquered by Rome in 262 and retaken by Carthgage 8 years later, the city never again regained its' former status. Akragas suffered greatly during the Second Punic War (218-201), with this coin being struck just before the city fell to Rome once again in 210.
Although renamed Agrigentum, its' culture remained essentially Greek for another few hundred years until Rome granted the inhabitants citizenship after Julius Caesar's death in 44 BC.

This coin was struck on the Carthaginian standard and of debased silver.4 commentsEnodia02/24/24 at 20:50Jay GT4: Fantastic!

Vespasian / Securitas75 AD
AR Denarius (18mm, 3.36g)
O: Laureate bust right; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG.
R: Securitas seated left with foot on stool and left arm on chair; PON MAX TR P COS VI.
RSC 367 / RIC 774 / BMC 165
ex Bart Lewis

"It becomes an emperor to die standing."3 commentsEnodia12/23/23 at 15:42Jay GT4: Nice portrait, but looks like Pax to me, not secur...

Macedonian Kingdom, Reign of Perseus 171-170 BC
AR Drachm (15mm, 2.81g)
Uncertain mint in Thessaly
Hermios magistrate.
O: Head of Helios facing 3/4 right, hair loose.
R: Rose with bud on right; I-Ω to either side of stem, EPMIAΣ (magistrate) above.
Price, Larissa p. 241; SNG Keckman 795; Sear 5092
ex Jack H. Beymer

Originating from the Sitichoro, Thessaly hoard of 1968, the long held attribution for this pseudo-Rhodian series was 'Rhodian Peraia' or 'Islands off Karia', etc, and probably used to pay mercenaries. This was the attribution I bought the coin with, and it served for nearly twenty years.
However a 1988 article by Richard Ashton claims these coins were actually issued by Perseus of Macedon during the Third Macedonian War to pay his Cretan mercenaries in a coin which was familiar to them, that is, the classic 'Helios/Rose' coinage of Rhodes. This is the attribution I use today.
Selene Psoma further suggests an even more specific location based on style and weight standard, pinpointing this issue in Thasian Peraia, so it will be interesting to see what further study may reveal.7 commentsEnodia10/23/23 at 18:28Curtis JJ: Fantastic specimen (it's always about centeri...

Taras, Calabria 290-281 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.
D'Andrea XL, 956; D'Andrea Diobols F, 154; 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.2 commentsEnodia09/21/23 at 19:20Jay GT4: Fantastic find

Taras, Calabria375/70-370-65 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 left, holding cup in right hand and club in left.
D'Andrea XXIV, 450 (this coin); D'Andrea Diobols D, 14d (this coin); Vlasto 1235 (this coin); SNG Cop 968 (same dies); HGC I, 829; HN Italy 910
Very Rare
From the AG Collection. ex Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection; ex Vecchi 17; ex CNG

Vlasto plate coin, #1235.
D'Andrea plate coin, Series XXIV, 450.
D'Andrea Diobols plate coin, Series D, Type 14.

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. I have found only three other specimens of this type listed.
3 commentsEnodia09/17/23 at 20:36Tracy Aiello: Beautiful coin.

Taras, Calabria 302--228 BC
AR Hemiobol (7.5mm, 0.24g)
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 Anders collection; ex Roma Auctions
3 commentsEnodia06/12/23 at 23:51Jay GT4: Very nice

Taras, Calabria 425-415 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.23g)
O: Skyphos with handle to right.
R: Olive wreath, Γ within.
D'Andrea XVII, 248; Vlasto 1743; HN Italy 867; HGC 1, 867

These handle to right types are a bit more common than the handle to left coins like the previous entry. There can be other symbols within the wreath, but in-hand one can definitely see the 'gamma' here.
2 commentsEnodia05/27/23 at 22:50Jay GT4: Love these small fractions

Taras, Calabria 240/35-212 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.28g)
O: Scallop shell with five teeth.
R: Winged Eros riding dolphin left, holding kantharos; ΦI(?) below.
Vlasto 1606-07; SNG France 2181
Rare
ex Aphrodite Coins

The appearance of Eros on the coinage of Taras is very unusual, and this coin may be the only such example. However His cult was popular in the polis and Eros' image appears on many vase paintings and votives, often riding a dolphin. These images are known as early as the 5th century BC, but become more common towards the Roman era. The origins of this cult can certainly be traced to the mother city of Sparta, where Aphrodite was venerated.2 commentsEnodia05/23/23 at 16:35Virgil H: Very nice

Taras, Calabria 281-276 BC
AR 3/4 Obol (8mm, 0.31g)
O: Head of horse left.
R: Head of horse left; ΦI before.
D'Andrea XLI, 1122; Vlasto 1704; HN Italy981
Very scarce
ex London Ancient Coins
3 commentsEnodia05/08/23 at 22:53Virgil H: Nice one.

Metapontum, Lucania 225-200 BC
AE17 (17.5mm, 6.13g)
O: Head of Leukippos right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with running wolf.
R: Demeter standing facing, holding long crossed torch in right hand, left hand on hip; META to right.
Johnson Bronze 66; SNG ANS 561; SNG Cop 2249; HGC I, 1099; HN Italy 1702
ex Pavlos Palou
1 commentsEnodia05/04/23 at 17:19Virgil H: Very nice, wish photo was a bit bigger

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.
4 commentsEnodia03/20/23 at 18:44arizonarobin: lovely addition!

Taras, Calabria272-240/35 BC
AR Obol (8mm, 0.42g)
O: Kantharos; 3 pellets around.
R: Kantharos; 2 pellets, owl with folded wings in field to right.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1542; Vlasto 1660; SNG France 2216; HN Italy 1076
ex London Ancient Coins

Another Dionysian obol, this one featuring a small owl, Athene Noctua, as a tribute to Athena.
3 commentsEnodia02/04/23 at 03:04arizonarobin: love this type

Velia, Lucania305-290 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.93g)
O: Head of nymph right, hair in sakkos with loose ribbon dangling behind; E behind neck, Φ(?) before.
R: Owl facing with wings spread, standing on [Z]; [YEΛHTΩN] in exergue.
Williams 635; SNG ANS 1278; HGC I, 1334; HN Italy 1324
Scarce
ex Savoca Numismatics

4 commentsEnodia01/24/23 at 18:46quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

Herakleia, Lucania330/25 - 281 BC
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.55g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone; K to right.
R: Herakles standing facing, holding club in right hand and bow in left, lion's skin draped over left arm, Nike crowning from above; AΛ to left, Σ to right.
Van Keuren 80; SNG ANS 68; Hands Period II, 6; HGC I, 981; HN Italy1383
ex Ancient Art and Treasures

Although not rare, this obverse more typically has the Herakles strangling the Nemean lion reverse, while this Herakles standing reverse is usually paired with a Corinthian helmeted Athena. In fact many attributions incorrectly refer to the Corinthian type, as this coin was.
The 'K' in front of Athena (a bit distorted here) may be the signature of Kleudoros, a master engraver in southern Italy at this period. Although I can find no solid verification of this, a comparison of the artistic style of this Athena with those of the didrachms of Velia seem to show a similarity.
A classic example of Magna Graecian numismatic art, imo.4 commentsEnodia01/22/23 at 02:37Robin Ayers: Really beautiful, nice addition to your collection...

Stratonikeia, Caria140-80 BC
AR Hemidrachm (13mm 0.90g)
Pamphilos magistrate
O: Laureate head of Hekate right, hair rolled and wearing a cresent moon headband.
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath; ΠAMΦIΛOC (magistrate) above, all within incuse square.
SNG Helsinki 253
ex Tom Vossen

"Lord Helios and the sacred flame,
weapon of Hekate Enodia,
which She bears when leading in Olympos
and in Her haunts by the sacred three-ways on Earth,
crowning Herself with oak leaves
and twisting coils of wild serpents."
~ Sophokles

3 commentsEnodia01/22/23 at 02:35Robin Ayers: I really like this one!

Velia, Lucania4th-2nd century BC
AE 15 (15mm, 2.91g)
O: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress.
R: Owl standing left on olive sprig, head facing; YEΛH behind.
SNG ANS 1414-15; Di Bello 208; HN Italy 1332; HGC I, 1342
Rare
ex Marcantica

References give a broad date range to this lovely bronze, but I think we can be a little more specific. The fine style, especially of the bust, look much more like late 4th century-ish and leads me to believe this coin should be placed earlier within the period.

1 commentsEnodia01/22/23 at 02:32Robin Ayers: a lovely little owl and great portrait of Herakles

Herakleia, Lucania330/25 - 281 BC
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.55g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone; K to right.
R: Herakles standing facing, holding club in right hand and bow in left, lion's skin draped over left arm, Nike crowning from above; AΛ to left, Σ to right.
Van Keuren 80; SNG ANS 68; Hands Period II, 6; HGC I, 981; HN Italy1383
ex Ancient Art and Treasures

Although not rare, this obverse more typically has the Herakles strangling the Nemean lion reverse, while this Herakles standing reverse is usually paired with a Corinthian helmeted Athena. In fact many attributions incorrectly refer to the Corinthian type, as this coin was.
The 'K' in front of Athena (a bit distorted here) may be the signature of Kleudoros, a master engraver in southern Italy at this period. Although I can find no solid verification of this, a comparison of the artistic style of this Athena with those of the didrachms of Velia seem to show a similarity.
A classic example of Magna Graecian numismatic art, imo.4 commentsEnodia11/19/22 at 02:48Jay GT4: I've always loved this type. Congrats!

Stratonikeia, Caria140-80 BC
AR Hemidrachm (13mm 0.90g)
Pamphilos magistrate
O: Laureate head of Hekate right, hair rolled and wearing a cresent moon headband.
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath; ΠAMΦIΛOC (magistrate) above, all within incuse square.
SNG Helsinki 253
ex Tom Vossen

"Lord Helios and the sacred flame,
weapon of Hekate Enodia,
which She bears when leading in Olympos
and in Her haunts by the sacred three-ways on Earth,
crowning Herself with oak leaves
and twisting coils of wild serpents."
~ Sophokles

3 commentsEnodia10/22/22 at 01:38Virgil H: lovely portrait. Nice coin

Byzantion, Thracelate 3rd - 2nd century BC
AE 25 (25mm, 11.45g)
O: Veiled head of Demeter right, wreathed in grain.
R: Poseidon seated right on rocks, holding aphlaston in raised right hand and trident over shoulder in left; KAΛXA to left and BYΞAN to right.
SNG COP 530
ex Heritage Auctions; ex Forvm Ancient Coins

An interesting coin commemorating an alliance between Byzantion and Kalchedon, resulting in an unusual issue featuring two ethnics.
Not an uncommon coin, but these elegant dies are not typical of the issue, and the only other specimen I was able to find with such a pretty portrait is probably from these same dies.
I love this coin!
2 commentsEnodia10/03/22 at 02:03Jay GT4: Interesting style on the reverse

Taras, Calabria 385-380 BC
AR Obol (11mm, 0.55g)
O: Head of nymph Satyra right.
R: Club and strung bow diagonally; 5 pellets around.
D'Andrea XXII, 399; Vlasto 1212-13; SNG ANS 1352-53; HN Italy 858
Very scarce
ex Artemide Aste

An unusual early fractional, it is also the subject of some confusion. Vlasto describes the obverse as "Bare-headed Athena right against aegis", however I see no aegis on this specimen, and the Vlasto plates are not clear either. A bare-headed Athena would be quite atypical for Taras, while the nymph Satyra, mother of the baby Taras, is a very common theme on these earlier
coins.
1 commentsEnodia09/28/22 at 16:07Anaximander: Great find!

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.1 commentsEnodia09/10/22 at 00:00Virgil H: Nice

Herakleia, Lucania281-278 BC
AR Drachm (16.5mm, 3.82g)
O: Head of Athena, three-quarters facing right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Scylla throwing stone; Φ behind.
R: Owl with wings closed, standing right on olive branch; club to right, |-HPAKΛEIΩN above, ΣΩΣI to left.
Van Keuren 114; HGC I, 999; HN Italy 1411
Scarce
ex NAC

The colony of Herakleia was a joint venture between the cities of Taras and Thurii, founded in 432 BC and intended to encourage peace between the two embattled polis’ and show a united front against the indigenous tribes of southern Italy. To this end Herakleia became the center of the newly formed Italiote League, probably around 380. This alliance consisted of emissaries from the Greek cities of Kroton, Metapontum, Velia, Thurii, and most notably Taras.
A century later, the period of this coin, Pyrrhus defeated the Roman Consul Laevinius near here, causing the Romans to try a different strategy. A political treaty was struck in 278, granting very favorable terms to the Greek city, and Herakleia became an ally of Rome. As a result the headquarters of the Italiote League was moved to Taras.9 commentsEnodia09/04/22 at 18:45Serendipity: A scarce and fascinating Greek coin!

Velia, Lucania535-480 BC
AR Obol (8mm, 0.61g)
O: Forepart of lion right, tearing at stag's leg.
R: Irregular incuse square.
Williams 34-35; SNG ANS 1221; HN Italy 1261; HGC I, 1337v (lion left)
Rare
ex LAC

A fine example of late archaic art, this is now the oldest coin in my collection.
1 commentsEnodia09/04/22 at 18:35Virgil H: Nice

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.
5 commentsEnodia08/31/22 at 12:05*Alex: Very interesting write up!

L. Flaminius Cilo109-108 BC
AR Denarius (17mm, 3.91g)
O: Helmeted head of Roma right; X beneath chin, ROMA behind.
R: Victory in biga right; L FLAMINI below horses, CILO in ex.
Crawford 302-1; Sydenham 540; RSC Flaminia 1; BMC Italy 537
ex Jack H. Beymer4 commentsEnodia08/24/22 at 18:50Virgil H: Love these types

Syracuse, Reign of Hiketas287-283 BC
AE23 (23mm, 11.375g, 135o)
O: Head of Kore (Persephone) left, wreathed in grain; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ before, pellet and stalk of grain behind.
R: Nike driving biga right, whip in right hand, reigns in left; star above, Σ in exergue.
HGC 2, 1446; Calciati II, p. 259, 123; SNG ANS 760 var. (no Σ in ex.); Sear 1209
ex Forvm Ancient Coins

“Apart from Demeter, lady of the golden sword and glorious fruits, she was playing with the deep-bosomed daughters of Oceanus and gathering flowers over a soft meadow, roses and crocuses and beautiful violets, irises also and hyacinths and the narcissus which Earth made to grow at the will of Zeus and to please the Host of Many, to be a snare for the bloom-like girl -- a marvelous, radiant flower. It was a thing of awe whether for deathless gods or mortal men to see: from its root grew a hundred blooms and it smelled most sweetly, so that all wide heaven above and the whole earth and the sea's salt swell laughed for joy. And the girl was amazed and reached out with both hands to take the lovely toy; but the wide-pathed earth yawned there in the plain of Nysa, and the lord, Host of Many, with his immortal horses sprang out upon her -- the Son of Cronos, He who has many names.”
~ The Homeric Hymn to Demeter

One of my favorite coins... 8 commentsEnodia08/14/22 at 22:47Serendipity: Yes, really beautiful!

Macedonian Kingdom, Reign of Alexander III336-323 BC
AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 17.01g)
O: Head of Alexander as Herakles right, clad in lion's skin headdress.
R: Zeus seated left on backless throne, holding eagle and sceptre, his legs parallel; eagle's head facing left in field to left, AΛEΞANΔPOY behind.
Amphipolis mint (lifetime issue).
Price 51; Sear 6713v; C. 4952
ex Jack H. Beymer

4 commentsEnodia08/05/22 at 13:54*Alex: Beautiful coin.

Velia, Lucania350-310 BC (Period VI: Kleudoros Group)
AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.50g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with griffin, swan's head at front of visor.
R: Lion prowling left; Φ above, >E monogram (Kleudoros) below, YEΛHTΩN in ex, all within linear circle.
Williams 297; SNG ANS 1312; SNG Ashmolean 1233; HGC I, 1311; HN Italy 1289; Sear 460v
ex Jack H. Beymer

In 545 BC the Persian King Cyrus the Great conquered the Ionian colony of Phocaea in Asia Minor. The survivors fled by sea, and after a settlement on Corsica was destroyed by the Carthaginians the Phocaean refugees finally reached the south-west coast of Lucania between 538 and 535 BC, where they founded Velia on a promontory between two rivers.
Its’ natural harbor and fortunate situation on the road between Rome and Rhegion made Velia a prime center of commerce, and it soon became known throughout the Mediterranean as a profitable destination and a safe shelter from the harsh winds of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This allowed the colony to thrive, and by the middle of the 5th century BC the Eleatic school of philosophy took form here under Xenophanes and Parmenides, the latter also writing the city's constitution.
5 commentsEnodia07/27/22 at 12:51*Alex: Wow. Beautiful coin. I can see how you were drawn ...

Taras, Calabria 240/35-212 BC
AR Diobol (10mm, 0.74g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Triton.
R: Infant Herakles, nude, strangling a serpent with each hand; monogram to left, ΛE in exergue.
D'Andrea XLV, 1664; D'Andrea Diobols I, 275; Vlasto 1460-61; HN Italy 1068; Cote 551; SNG ANS 1474-75; SNG France ---; McGill ---
Very scarce
ex Munzhandlung Ritter

A scarce diobol showing the infant Herakles strangling the two serpents sent by Hera to kill him, it becomes even scarcer with Athena facing right.
Vlasto has two specimens, both of which describe Her helmet as decorated with a 'sea horse' (hippocamp), but which is actually 'Triton'.
The damage to this coin is unfortunate but did bring the price down without really affecting the devices, other than impairing Athena's otherwise full crest.

4 commentsEnodia07/18/22 at 10:20Anaximander: Smile

Taras, Calabriacirca 302 BC
AR Trihemiobol (11mm, 1.04g)
O: Two horse heads, joined at truncation; four ):( symbols around.
R: Two horse heads back-to-back; four ):( symbols around.
D'Andrea XXXVIII, 837 (this coin); Vlasto 1688 (trihemiobol); McGill II, 210v (trihemiobol); SNG France 2229; HN Italy 1072 (diobol); Sear 353v (diobol)
Rare
From the E.E. Clain Stefanelli collection. ex ex Naville Numismatics

D'Andrea plate coin, Series XXXVIII, 837
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.
6 commentsEnodia10/24/21 at 15:08Leo: wonderful masterpiece！

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.

4 commentsEnodia10/24/21 at 15:02Leo: nice get！

Metapontum, Lucania470-440 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.82g).
O: Ear of barley with six grains.
R: Incuse barley grain; annulet to left.
Noe 304; HN Italy 1488
ex Agora Auctions; ex Artifact Man

Metapontum was located on the Gulf of Taras between the rivers Bradanus and Casuentus.
This ideal location, lying on a richly fertile plain, would provide the Metapontines with the abundant grain harvests from which they became both wealthy and influential. By the fifth century Metapontum had grown so prosperous that she paid an annual tribute to Delphi in the form of a "golden harvest" (Strabo), thought to be a sheaf of grain fashioned from gold.
2 commentsEnodia09/26/21 at 22:45Jay GT4: Lovely

Teos, Ionia320-294 BC
AR Diobol (10mm, 0.92g)
Mentor magistrate.
O: Griffin seated right, with left forepaw raised.
R: Lyre; MENTΩP (magistrate) downward to right.
Kinns 95; SNG Kayhan 611v; Imhoof 126A
ex MRB Coins
5 commentsEnodia07/29/21 at 16:59Fernando: A precious coin. On the reverse, there is a barbit...

Taras, Calabria276-272 BC
AR Litra (10mm, 0.57g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin right; bunch of grapes and I below.
D'Andrea XLII, 1254; 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 10.10.85 commentsEnodia07/25/21 at 13:24Tracy Aiello: Sweet fractional.

Taras, Calabria380-334 BC
AR Diobol (13mm, 1.11g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing unadorned crested Attic helmet.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion.
Scarce
Vlasto 1344; Cote 259
ex LAC
4 commentsEnodia04/04/21 at 20:28Nemonater: Really nice!

Taras, Calabria302-290 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 0.88g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with wing.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club in right hand.
Scarce
D'Andrea XXXIX, 868; D'Andrea Diobols F, 114; Vlasto 1284; HN Italy 911
ex LAC
1 commentsEnodia04/04/21 at 18:58casata137ec: Nice one. Smile

Athens, Attica454-431 BC
AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.95g)
O: Head of Athena with archaic eye right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with palmette and olive leaves.
R: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and cresent moon above, AΘE to right, all within incuse square.
SNG Cop 31; Kroll 8; Sear 2526
ex Steven Battelle

With her almond eye and Mona Lisa-like grin, along with her companion owl (Athene Noctua), these classic 5th century tetradrachms from Athens are truly THE iconic ancient coin.7 commentsEnodia03/25/21 at 13:11casata137ec: Beats the heck out of my little squishy one! Congr...

Athens, Attica454-431 BC
AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.95g)
O: Head of Athena with archaic eye right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with palmette and olive leaves.
R: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and cresent moon above, AΘE to right, all within incuse square.
SNG Cop 31; Kroll 8; Sear 2526
ex Steven Battelle

With her almond eye and Mona Lisa-like grin, along with her companion owl (Athene Noctua), these classic 5th century tetradrachms from Athens are truly THE iconic ancient coin.7 commentsEnodia03/17/21 at 17:44*Alex: Great example of this sought after coin. Well done...

Athens, Attica454-431 BC
AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.95g)
O: Head of Athena with archaic eye right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with palmette and olive leaves.
R: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and cresent moon above, AΘE to right, all within incuse square.
SNG Cop 31; Kroll 8; Sear 2526
ex Steven Battelle

With her almond eye and Mona Lisa-like grin, along with her companion owl (Athene Noctua), these classic 5th century tetradrachms from Athens are truly THE iconic ancient coin.7 commentsEnodia03/17/21 at 10:56Serendipity: Such a beautiful and iconic coin!

Apameia, Phrygia3rd Century AD
Pseudo-autonomous
AE15 (15mm, 2.27g)
O: Draped and turreted bust of Tyche right; AΠA-MEIA.
R: Hekate Triformis standing facing, wearing polos and double chiton, and holding 4 torches and 2 patera; CΩTEI-PA.
SNG von Aulock 3475; SNG Cop 195-96; BMC 110-13
ex Gert Boersema
2 commentsEnodia03/17/21 at 07:55quadrans: Nice one

Athens, Attica454-431 BC
AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.95g)
O: Head of Athena with archaic eye right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with palmette and olive leaves.
R: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and cresent moon above, AΘE to right, all within incuse square.
SNG Cop 31; Kroll 8; Sear 2526
ex Steven Battelle

With her almond eye and Mona Lisa-like grin, along with her companion owl (Athene Noctua), these classic 5th century tetradrachms from Athens are truly THE iconic ancient coin.7 commentsEnodia03/16/21 at 10:17Pharsalos: Lovely example, pretty dies both sides.

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
2 commentsEnodia02/20/21 at 14:25Anaximander: Yes, a real sense of movement comes out on both si...

Taras, Calabria 272-240/35 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.51g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin swimming right; AV monogram above, Ionic capital below.
Scarce
D'Andrea XLIV, 1483; Vlasto 1534; SNG France 2148; HN Italy 979
ex Numiscorner

The broken column has appeared throughout history as a funerary symbol. This would be fitting in Taras, a polis with a strong cthonic cult. As such it is likely that its appearance here is representative of Dionysus.
1 commentsEnodia02/20/21 at 14:22Anaximander: Such a great coin, in a tiny package. Fair to say ...

Taras, Calabria 333-331/30 BC
AR Diobol (13mm, 1.07g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with elaborate scroll.
R: Herakles standing right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club behind, [TAPAN] above.
Very Scarce
D'Andrea XXXII, 692; D'Andrea Diobols E, 87; Vlasto 1286-87; McGill II, 156; Cote cf. 253
ex Numiscorner

A scarce type with an unusual helmet design.
3 commentsEnodia02/19/21 at 19:14Justin W: Nice details on the obverse

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.

1 commentsEnodia02/19/21 at 18:28Jay GT4: Cool!

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