ITALY. Calabria. Tarentum. AR Didrachm Nomos

A silver Didrachm (Nomos) of Tarentum typically features:

Obverse:

A nude warrior or youthful rider on horseback, often shown galloping right or left. The rider may hold spears, a shield, or reins, depending on the issue. These dynamic equestrian scenes reflect Tarentum’s strong cavalry traditions and its heroic iconography. [wildwinds.com]

Reverse:

Taras (the city’s eponymous hero) riding a dolphin, a signature motif of Tarentum. He may hold a trident, kantharos, grapes, distaff, or wreath. This imagery references the foundation myth in which Taras, son of Poseidon, was saved by a dolphin—symbolizing the city’s maritime identity and cultural heritage. [shannaschmidt.com], [coinslegacy.com]

General Notes:

Tarentum’s didrachms were struck in high artistic style, with numerous variations in symbols, magistrates’ marks, and control letters. They represent one of the richest and most diverse coinages of Magna Graecia.