★ From the collection of a Mentor; Ex NAC 146 ★

Calabria. Tarentum circa 281-272 BC. Campano-Tarantine Issue
Nomos AR

20 mm, 7,14 g

Diademed head of nymph left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace / Nude youth on horseback right, crowning horse; below, TA above dolphin.

Pleasantly toned, nearly extremely fine

Vlasto 1002; Historia Numorum Italy 1098.

From the collection of a Mentor; Ex NAC 146, lot 2026 The coin from Tarentum, featuring a diademed nymph and a nude youth on horseback, was minted during a period when the city sought to assert its cultural and political identity. Tarentum, a powerful Greek colony in southern Italy, was founded by Spartan settlers around the 8th century BC. Over time, it grew into a major commercial and military power in Magna Graecia, thanks in part to its strategic coastal location and strong naval capabilities. The imagery on the coin reflects the city's deep connection to its mythical origins and its pride in its achievements. The nymph depicted on the obverse might represent Satyra, the mother of Taras, the city's legendary founder. According to mythology, Taras was the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, which ties into the city's strong maritime identity. The emphasis on this myth was a way for Tarentum to legitimize its power and link itself to divine origins, which was a common practice in the ancient world to enhance a city's prestige. The reverse side, with the youth on horseback, symbolizes the city's military strength, particularly its famous cavalry. Tarentum was known for its elite horsemen, and this imagery served to highlight the city’s prowess in both warfare and sports, as horsemanship was highly valued in Greek culture. The dolphin under the horse connects to Tarentum’s seafaring roots and its economic reliance on the sea for trade and defense. This coin was likely minted during a time when Tarentum needed to reinforce its identity and status, perhaps in response to external threats or as a way to unify its citizens around shared cultural symbols. The combination of mythological and martial imagery served as a reminder of the city’s divine protection, military might, and economic strength. In the broader context, such coins would circulate not only within the city but also in trade, spreading the message of Tarentum's power and prosperity far beyond its borders.