Lot 20
CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 315-302 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.88 g, 5h). NGC AU, 5/5, 3/5.
Current
$350
Est.
$500
Bids: 3
Live Auction
CNG Feature Auction 129
Live bidding begins May 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM EDT (21d 20h 56m left for internet bidding)
Category
Description
CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 315-302 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.88 g, 5h). Warrior, holding shield and two spears, preparing to cast a third, on horseback right; ΣA below / Phalanthos, holding kantharos and trident, riding dolphin left; Ω above arm, pellet and Σ below arm; below, dolphin left. Fischer-Bossert Group 73, 878 (V345/R681); Vlasto 615; HN Italy 937. In NGC encapsulation 6625608-020, graded AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5.

The city of Tarentum was founded in the late 8th century BC by Spartan colonists on the north coast of the gulf of the same name, on a rocky islet at the entrance to the only secure harbor. It was Sparta's only colony and maintained close relations with its mother city. The official founder of the city was believed to be the Spartan leader Phalanthos. Ancient tradition, however, tells how Taras, the son of Poseidon and a local nymph, Satyra, was miraculously saved from a shipwreck by his father, who sent a dolphin on whose back he was carried to shore, at which spot he founded a city.

Blessed with fertile land, Tarentum became famous for olives and sheep. It possessed a fine harbor, great fisheries and profitable exports of wool, purple dye, and pottery. It adopted a democratic form of government circa 475 BC, and thereafter became the leading Greek city in southern Italy. Its success led to continual difficulties with its neighbor cities, though, and on four occasions Tarentum required expeditions from Greece to help overcome its aggressors. The last of these expeditions was led by the famed Epeirote, Pyrrhos. Following his withdrawal from the city, Tarentum was occupied by the Romans.

It was not until late in the 6th century that Tarentum felt the need to produce coinage. It did so by copying the broad, thin fabric with incuse reverse type already in use by Metapontum, Sybaris, Poseidonia, Kaulonia, and Kroton. Tarentum quickly grew in power and wealth. As with many cities that began coinage at the time, the types depicted relate to the city's foundation, both in its historical and mythological forms. Taras’ prosperity is exemplified by its vast coinage, which was continuous from circa 510 BC until the end of the Second Punic War.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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