A rare variety of the Tarentine didrachm (nomos), distinguished by the rudder on the reverse.
Silver didrachms are among the most characteristic coins of Tarentum (Taras), one of the most important cities of Magna Graecia. According to tradition, the city was founded in 706 BC by Spartan settlers and developed into a powerful polis whose economic and military importance was reflected in its exceptionally rich and varied coinage.
The obverse depicts a nude horseman on a horse facing right. Beneath the horse appears the magistrate’s name APIΣTOK, identifying the particular issue. Equestrian scenes are among the most distinctive features of Tarentine coinage and occur in numerous variations, depicting horsemen, warriors and participants in equestrian contests.
The reverse bears the traditional emblem of the city – Taras riding on the back of a dolphin. The mythical eponym of Tarentum was believed to have been a son of Poseidon and, according to one tradition, was rescued at sea by a dolphin sent by his divine father. This image became a distinctive numismatic emblem of Tarentum, appearing on its silver coinage for several centuries.
A particularly interesting feature of this rare variety is the rudder, a symbol closely associated with the maritime identity of Tarentum. The accompanying Nike flying right introduces an additional motif of victory. The combination of Taras, the dolphin, Nike and the rudder creates a rich iconographic programme emphasizing the city’s close relationship with the sea.
Ex. Solidus Numismatik, Auction 88, Lot 2033.
Ex. Wójcicki Polish Auction House, Auction 9, Lot 5052.
A beautiful and rare variety of one of the most recognizable coin types of Magna Graecia, further distinguished by the unusual reverse symbolism featuring Nike and a rudder.
Greece
Calabria, Tarentum, Didrachm 272-240 BC
Obverse: naked rider on a horse standing right, on the Ionian capital, under the horse magistrate name APIΣTOK
Reverse: naked Terrace flowing on the back of a dolphin to the left, in the left field Nike flying right
Diameter 21 mm, weight 6.5 g
