Silver Ancient Calabria Taras AR Didrachm 3rd century BC XF

Silver Ancient Calabria Taras AR Didrachm 3rd century BC XF

 
A marvelous Coin – rich in art, mythology, and history – an excellent piece for lovers of the Ancient World

 
Over 2,200 years old – and preserved in fantastic condition
Features Taras, the son of Poseidon – Greek God of the sea
Taras is depicted riding a dolphin – mythological the dolphin is said to have been sent by Poseidon to rescue Taras from a shipwreck
Coins are hand-struck on silver planchets – Most weigh between 6-7 grams

 
Tarentum, called Taras by the Greeks, was an important Greek harbor city in Italy, located on the west coast of the Calabrian peninsula. It became one of the most powerful cities in Greece and become extremely influential on commerce, travel, and warfare. At its peak, Tarentum was actively capable of arming over 20,000 men for war at a moment’s notice.

The city of Taras was renowned for breeding Warhorses and their stout military cavalry. Each coin depicts Taras riding a dolphin, which is said to have been sent by Poseidon to rescue Taras from a shipwreck. Each obverse features a youthful male riding on horseback with various weapons. There are a variety of slightly different obverses and reverses, usually depicting shields or spears.

 
Condition

 
Very Fine VF and Extremely Fine XF are the most commonly collected ancient coin grades. VF corresponds approximately 20 – 35 on the Sheldon 1-70 point scale. XF is approximately 40 – 50.