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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 500-490 BC. AR NomosAR. 7.30 g. 24.00 mm.
Obv. Phalanthos riding dolphin right, holding cuttlefish; below, ΤΑΡΑS (retrograde).
Rev. TRA (retrograde). Hippocamp right; cockle shell below.
HN Italy 827; Vlasto 108var.
Attractive tone. Vert fine.Leo12/22/23 at 04:17Leo: Hello Leif, thanks for your comment！Congratulation...
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Calabria Italy Taras on DolphinTaras, Calabria, Italy, c. 272 - 240 B.C., Silver nomos, Unpublished(?); Vlasto 932 var.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.
SRukke10/24/21 at 15:10Leo: rare type
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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.
Enodia10/24/21 at 15:08Leo: wonderful masterpiece！
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Calabria, TarentumPunic 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; SNG France 2065; McGill II, 120 and Cote 591-93.
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 GT410/24/21 at 15:05Leo: nice example, Jay
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Calabria, Tarentum. Taras riding dolphin and Hippocamp.Greek Italy. Calabria. 465-455 BC. AR Nomos (8.18 gm, 20.5mm, 9h) of Tarentum. Taras (Phalanthos) riding dolphin left, arms outstretched, cockle shell below, TAPA∫. / Hippocamp swimming left. gVF. CNG 72 #73. Same dies: D'Andrea Series VII Type 96; SNG ANS 1 #840; SNG Cop 1 (Italy) #776; Basel 75 = SNG Lockett 124; Hermitage I #45; Hirsch Collection 81; SNG France 6.1 #1600; SNG Lloyd 117-118; Ravel Vlasto 133. SNG France 6.1 #1600-1602; Fischer-Bossert Gp.7 #109 (V56/R71, 34 specimens). cf. HGC 1 #753.Anaximander10/24/21 at 15:05Leo: good details on both sides
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Calabria, Tarentum. Helmeted Horseman and Dolphin Rider Didrachm.Greek Italy. Calabria. 290-281-302 BC. AR Didrachm (7.80 gm, 20.4mm, 3h) of Tarentum. Helmeted horseman advancing right with spear, holding shield and two spears; ΦIΛI below (magistrate Phili). / Taras (Phalanthos) on dolphin left, holding distaff and dolphin; ΦI to l., ivy leaf & TAPAΣ to r., waves below. EF. Pegasi Numismatics Auction 121 #40. Ex M.P. Vlasto collection. Monteperano hoard. Ravel Vlasto 589 pl.XIX (this coin). D'Andrea Series XL Type 918; SNG ANS 1 #988 (same obv. die); SNG France 6.1 #1833 (same); SNG Cop 1 (Italy) #842; SNG Ash I #287; Fischer-Bossert Gp.79 #1086-1087, 1090, 1093-1096; HN Italy 934 (2); HGC 1 #800; Côte CAnaximander10/24/21 at 15:04Leo: great horse
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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.
Enodia10/24/21 at 15:02Leo: nice get！
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TarasBrennos10/24/21 at 15:00Leo: wonderful and rare
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 455 BC. AR Nomos20mm, 7.77 g, 5h
Taras, nude, extending hands, riding dolphin right; scallop shell and octopus below.
Taras, as Oikistes, holding spindle and kantharos, seated right on diphros covered with sheepskin.
Fischer-Bossert Group 8, 119j (V64/R81 – this coin); Vlasto, Taras, Type 1; Vlasto 165–6 (same dies); HN Italy 843; SNG Lloyd 130 (same dies); Jameson 2387 = Côte 62 = Weber 531 (same dies).
Toned, some die wear. Near VF.
From the Judy Day Frink Collection, purchased from Empire Coins. Ex Naville V (18 June 1923), lot 238.Leo01/07/21 at 02:13Leo: Thanks, Jay. 
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Taras, Calabria302-228 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 1791 (this coin); SNG France 2258-60; Cote 181; HN Italy 926
Very scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex Herakles Numismatics
Enodia02/23/20 at 06:54Leo: wonderful
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CALABRIA. Tarentum. ObolKantharos; 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 GT402/17/19 at 11:18Leo: nice and cool!
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Calabria, TarentumPunic 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; SNG France 2065; McGill II, 120 and Cote 591-93.
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 GT402/17/19 at 11:06Leo: Good detail on two sides!
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GREEK, ITALY, LUCANIA, Velia, 300-280 BC Didrachm, 7.51 g
O - Head of Athena to right, wearing Attic helmet adorned with a wing.
R - ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ /Φ Ι / Π Lion walking to right; above, ear of wheat.
HN III 1309. Williams 470-489.
Provenance:
Ex Rauch 86, 2 May 2010, Lot 103
Ex Nomos, Auction 5, Lot 107, 25 October 2011robertpe01/20/19 at 06:01Leo: Love the helmet！
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GREEK, Italy, Lucania, Velia350-310 BC
AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.5g)
-Kleudoros Group-
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with griffin.
R: Lion prowling left; Φ above, engraver's monogram >E (Kleudoros) below, YEΛHTΩN in ex.
Williams 297 / SNG ANS 1312 / SNG Ashmolean 1233 / HN Italy 1289 / Sear 460v
ex Jack H. Beymer
"... cast earth upon my body
And seek haven in Velia once more..."
~ VergilEnodia01/20/19 at 05:59Leo: Less common type and great style.
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CÁC II. 20.13.1.1./a1.13./14., Anonymous III. (Géza II., King of Hungary, (1141-1162 A.D.)?), AR-Denarius, H-159, CNH I.-149, U-060, #01CÁC II. 20.13.1.1./a1.13./14., Anonymous III. (Géza II., King of Hungary, (1141-1162 A.D.)?), AR-Denarius, H-159, CNH I.-149, U-060, #01
avers: Cross with crosses at the ends, line between two crescents in the angles; border of dots.
reverse: Cross with dots in the angles; border of line.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 13,3 mm, weight: 0,339g, axis: 02h,
mint: Esztergom , date: A.D., ref: Huszár-159, CNH I.-149, Unger-060,
Kiss-Toth, Sigla: 20.13.1.1./a1.13./14.,
Q-001quadrans01/19/19 at 14:13Leo: Congratulations
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Roman Republic, L. Papius Denarius Serratus (2) - Juno Sospita with Griffin (Crawf. 384/1) AR Denarius
Rome, 79 BC
3.84g
Obv: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat's skin; symbol (tall cup) behind
Rev: Griffin springing right; symbol (one handled jug) below; L• PAPI in exergue.
Crawford 384/1; RSC Papia 1, Grueber type 11
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 52, Lot 679
From the R.C. Vermeer Collection;
Naville Numismatics 34, 17 September 2017, lot 422.
ex. Elvira Clain Stefanelli (1914-2001) collection, curator of the National Numismatics Collection at the SmithsonianOptimo Principi01/19/19 at 14:11Leo: Lovely Griffin.
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Taras, Calabria415-405 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.95g)
O: Horse right, running free.
R: Taras astride dolphin right, left hand holding [distaff].
D'Andrea XVIII, 283; D'Andrea Diobols C, 6; Vlasto 1225; Cote 177; SNG Fitzwilliam 348; HGC I, 827; HN Italy 907
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.Enodia09/22/18 at 13:39Leo: Not the one we can see often, congratulation!
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CALABRIA, Taras. 450-440 BC. AR Nomos7.71g
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.Leo09/22/18 at 13:34Leo: Thanks Jay
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CALABRIA, Taras. Circa 280 BC. AR Nomos21mm, 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.Leo09/04/18 at 01:48Leo: Thanks Jay
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Thourioi - AR nomosc. 400 - 350 BC
head of Athena right wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla
E
bull butting right; fish swimming right below
ΘOYPIΩN
HN Italy 1783; cf. SNG ANS 1015
7,7g 21mm
ex Roma NumismaticsJ. B.06/25/18 at 12:45Leo: very nice style
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GREEK, Fouree Plate Coin!Taras --AE Fouree stater (Ex Vlasto). 334-330BC. Boy on horse prancing right/Taras on dolphin left,helmet in right field. Ravel 653 (this coin). featherz06/20/18 at 14:59Leo: I think the style of this coin is official.
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Taras, Calabria425-415 BC
AR ¼ Litra (7mm, 0.19g)
O: T with three pellets around.
R: T with three pellets around.
D'Andrea XVII, 267; Vlasto 1191; Cote 182; McGill II, 147; SNG France 1650; 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.Enodia06/18/18 at 10:40Leo: Extremely rare, only six examples in Vlasto.
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SOLD! Probus AntoninianusIMP CM AVR PROBVS P AVG
Radiate and cuirassed bust of Probus right
VIRTVS PROBI AVG - KAΓ in exergue
Emperor on horseback trampling enemy, a shield in left hand, spear in right. A shield on the ground under the horse.
Bust type B
Serdica mint, 280-281 AD
4th emission, 3rd officina
3.92g
RIC 880 (C).
EF with wonderful smooth dark brown/black glossy patina. Even nicer in hand.
Ex-Calgary Coin; Ex-George W. La Borde collection
Published on Probuscoins.fr
Jay GT406/07/18 at 10:24Leo: Great find, congratulation.
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Calabria, Taras (c. 344-340 B.C.), Silver Stater.8.03g., 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.Leo05/31/18 at 14:43Leo: Comparing with related dies, I would prefer to say...
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Calabria, Taras (c. 344-340 B.C.), Silver Stater.8.03g., 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.Leo05/26/18 at 06:47Leo: Thanks Grant
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Taras, Calabria302-290 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 1.07g)
O: Head of young Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; A-T above, club and astragalos behind, Φ between legs.
D'Andrea XXXIX, 889; D'Andrea Diobols F, 146; Vlasto 1356; 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.
Enodia05/18/18 at 09:36Leo: Great find, congra~
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Calabria, Tarentum. Time of Hannibal, c. 212-209 BC. Nomos3.98gg. (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.Leo04/21/18 at 15:21Leo: Thanks, Jay～ Can't wait to see this coi...
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Calabria, Taras AR Nomos. Circa 390-385 BC.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. 6.98g, 23mm, 8h.
Good Fine.Leo12/02/17 at 18:36Leo: Thanks my friends. I am so happy to get it into my...
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Taras, Calabria480-470 BC
AR Hexas (5mm, 0.08g)
O: Scallop shell with 7 teeth, within linear border.
R: Wheel with four spokes.
D'Andrea IV, 78; Vlasto 1118; SNG France 1617; HN Italy 836
Very scarce
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.
Enodia10/25/17 at 15:55Leo: Congratulation
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Syracuse, Reign of Dionysius I 405-367 BC (struck circa 380 BC)
Æ Drachm (32mm, 30.12g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with olive wreath; ΣYPA before.
R: Sea-star between two dolphins.
CNS II, 62-9; HGC 2, 1436; SNG ANS 455-469; Sear 1189 (Timoleon)
ex Saint Paul Antiques
Enodia09/19/17 at 23:54Leo: Wow, nice.
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Sicily, Messana, HareSicily, Messana
Litra (420-413 BC)
Obv: Hare leaping right, below scallop shell.
Rev: MEΣ, Legend within wreath
Ag, 0.66g, 14mm
SNG ANS 349
Ex Pecunem Gitbud&Naumann auction 29shanxi07/24/17 at 03:18Leo: very good acquisition, congrats 
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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.Enodia07/18/17 at 09:56Leo: The type we can not see often, nice acquisition, c...
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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.
Enodia07/11/17 at 18:50Leo: Love the bee!
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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!Enodia05/27/17 at 01:59Leo: Very nice description. Your words inspired me. Tha...
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GREEK, ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm(24mm, 17.20 g, 2h).
Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597. Good VF, toned. Attractive early style.
This tetradrachm belongs among the earlier period of the “frontal eye” issues of the mid-late 5th century. The palmette is still delicate, as is the general style of the owl, and the incuse is rather deep and abruptly transitions to the flat surface.Leo05/21/17 at 21:39Leo: appreciate~
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GREEK, Italy, Calabria, Taras Oecist StaterCalabria, 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. EFLeo02/19/17 at 13:27Leo: Thanks Jay
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Taras, Calabria281-276 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.
D'Andrea XLI, 1031; D'Andrea Diobols G, 183; Vlasto 1321; Cote 463; SNG Cop 976; SNG ANS 1413; SNG Lloyd 245; HN Italy 976
Scarce
From the E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection. ex Naville Numismatics
Enodia10/15/16 at 03:40Leo: Nice~ Is this coin issue for memorizing the Alexan...
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Velia, Lucania305-290 BC (Period VII: Philistion Group)
AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.33g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Phrygian helmet decorated with griffin; palmette on neck-guard, Θ (Philistion) behind.
R: Lion standing right with head facing, devouring ram‘s head; grasshopper between Φ-I above, YEΛHTΩN in ex.
William 415; HGC I, 1322; HN Italy 1305; SNG ANS 1361; SNG Ashmolean 1322-4
ex Praefectus Coins
Velia was never conquered by the Lucanians, and in 275 BC signed an alliance with Rome. However over the centuries the mouths of the two rivers between which the city was built silted up the harbor, resulting in a ruined trade. In time the city became surrounded by marshlands, malaria ensued, and its inhabitants moved away.
Velia had managed to withstand centuries of regional hostility, but withered before the forces of nature.Enodia08/31/16 at 20:54Leo: wow, great detail for both sides.
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Taras, Calabria290-281 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.
D'Andrea XL, 964; D'Andrea Diobols F, 163; Vlasto 1415; Cote 423; SNG ANS 1459; SNG Cop 1000-01; 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.Enodia08/28/16 at 03:53Leo: Very sharp. It is uncommon for a little diobol, an...
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Taras, Calabria240/35-212 BC
AR Litra (9mm, 0.52g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended right hand and distaff in left; AP monogram in field to right.
D'Andrea XLV, 1681; Vlasto 1602; Cote 573-74
Rare
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.
Enodia08/28/16 at 03:50Leo: Rare coin!! I've never seen before.
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Macedon. Philip II AR TetradrachmKingdom of Macedon. Philip II AR Tetradrachm. Pella, circa 323-317 BC. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, holding reins and long palm branch; coiled serpent below, Boeotian shield to right, ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ around. 14.38g, 25mm. Mint State. Leo08/27/16 at 22:07Leo: Thank you Sam.
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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 CNGEnodia08/27/16 at 19:50Leo: Hey Peter, is it one of the earliest type of dolph...
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Greek, Lysimachos, Unrecorded with the dolphinKINGS of THRACE. Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Drachm (18mm, 4.14 g, 5h). Kolophon mint. Struck 299/8-297/6 BC. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin / Zeus Aëtophoros seated left; in left field, dolphin above forepart of lion left; torch below throne. Thompson -; Müller -; Price -. Good VF, lightly toned, minor marks, small flaw on edge. Unrecorded with the dolphin.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. ( CNG e- 296 , Lot 25)Sam08/27/16 at 16:20Leo: For this coin, Herakles' eyes could talk.
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Athens, Greece, Old Style Tetradrachm, 449 - 413 B.C.Silver tetradrachm, SNG Cop 31 ff., SGCV I 2526, EF, light scuff on cheek, 17.184g, 25.6mm, 180o, Athens mint, obverse head of Athena right, almond shaped eye, crested helmet with olive leaves and floral scroll, wire necklace, round earring, hair in parallel curves; reverse AQE right, owl standing right, head facing, erect in posture, olive sprig and crescent left, all within incuse square;
A superb beauty ex FORVM .
The old-style tetradrachm of Athens is famous for its almond shaped eye, archaic smile and charming owl reverse. Around 480 B.C. a wreath of olive leaves and a decorative scroll were added to Athena's helmet. On the reverse a crescent moon was added.
During the period 449 - 413 B.C. huge quantities of tetradrachms were minted to finance grandiose building projects such as the Parthenon and to cover the costs of the Peloponnesian War.
*With my sincere thank , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
From The Sam Mansourati Collection.Sam08/27/16 at 16:18Leo: Nice reverse, nice get.
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Magnentius Magnentius
Centenionalis
Obv.: D N MAGNENTIVS PF AVG, draped and cuirassed bust right. A behind
Rev.: GLORIA ROMANORVM, Magnentius on horseback right, thrusting spear at man kneeling; TRS crescent.
RIC 271, Bastien 32
Ex Künker-Heritage shanxi08/27/16 at 16:14Leo: Wow, nice detail。
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Taras 280-272 StaterCALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. Stater (Silver, 21mm, 6.22 g 5), Aristipp..., Gy... and Di.... ΑΡΙΣ / ΤΙΠΠNude 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. Leo08/26/16 at 00:36Leo: Oh yeah, thanks for your notification. I've al...
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Taras, CalabriaCALABRIA. 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.
Leo08/25/16 at 03:48Leo: I'm lucky to find it. Hope you could find one ...
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Tarentum AR NomosITALY. 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.Leo08/25/16 at 03:46Leo: Thanks for your appreciation 
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ROMAN EMPIRE, HADRIANVS BRITANNICVSSestertius of Hadrian, AD 122. EXERC BRITANNICVS SC ("For the army of Britain, by order of the Senate") RIC 913. Coin currently in the British Museum Department of Coins and Medals (gallery 49, case 14).
Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS 111 PP ("Hadrian Augustus, three times consul, father of his country") 08/04/16 at 15:27Leo: ！！！！！
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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.
Enodia08/04/16 at 11:53Leo: Truly, I've never seem this type before. It se...
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Taras, Calabria240/35-212 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.
D'Andrea XLV, 1660; D'Andrea Diobols I, 271; Vlasto 1413
Rare
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 ffEnodia08/04/16 at 11:48Leo: Rare type! Nice get
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Greek, Ravel; Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection of Tarentine Coins formed by M. P. Vlasto - #1235Taras, 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.Enodia06/05/16 at 09:14Leo: nice get! I never saw this type before
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PARTHIA/PERSIA, Achaemenid, AR Siglos, c.5th century B.C.Greeks Persia
Achaemenid AR Siglos 5th century v.u.Z. Av .: Persian archer in the running knee with bow to right , Rv .: Incusum , the Greeks called this Sigloi Toxotai = archer.
SNG Berry comp. 1446 type iv c.
5:49 g .11/05/14 at 09:20Leo: Good details
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Alexander obol10mm, 0.59g
uncertain Eastern mint
obv: head of Herakles wering lion-skin headdress right
rev: AΛEΣANΔPOY; Zeus on throne left, holding scepter and eagle
ex David Hendin, bought from bcmainland on Ebay 12/2010areich10/16/13 at 04:11Leo: Great detail!
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GREEK, Thasos, c.411 - 350 BC. Silver Trihemiobol Thasos, c.411 - 350 BC. Silver Trihemiobol. Satyr running rt. / Amphoraon,either side,ΘΑΣ on left, ΙΩΝ on right. 12mm in diameter,even you can see Satyr's collarbone~
XLi05/05/13 at 12:19Li H:  i want have one like this!
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the Great TetradrachmOne of the best examples of a temnos tetradrachm that I have seen. It has a high-relief beautifully-struck centered obverse, and as well as a wonderfully-struck reverse. Still boasts a mint lustre and nice toning.05/05/13 at 12:16Li H: whew,very nice
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III The Great, Babylon, 336-323 BC, AR Tetradrachm - Price 3664Head of young Herakles right in lion-skin headdress, paws tied at neck. / ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡ[OΥ] Zeus enthroned left, confronting eagle held in right hand and grasping scepter with left, sea monster in left field, ΦIΛI monogram above thin strut between legs of throne, M thereunder.
Price 3664.
Babylon Royal Mint ca. 325-323 BC.
(24 mm, 17.18 gm, 6h)
Freeman & Sear Manhattan 2 Sale (4 January 2011) Lot 133
 05/05/13 at 12:15Li H:
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GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the Great, Lydia, Sardis, AR Drachm, 336-323 BC. Lifetime issue - Price 2576Head of Herakles right wearing lion-skin headdress. / AΛΕΞANΔPOY Zeus Aëtophoros seated facing on backless throne, his left leg and torso facing front, his head, right arm and right to left; holding eagle in his right hand and long sceptre in his left; NK monogram above bee in left field.
Price 2576; Thompson 134 (same dies). Sardis mint ca. 325/4-323 BC.
(18 mm, 4.27 g, 12h)
ex- Arthur J. Frank Collection; ex- NFA Auction II (25-26 March 1976) Lot 12.
05/05/13 at 12:15Li H: I want someone like this! 
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