CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280–272 BC. AR Didrachm

CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280–272 BC. AR Didrachm or Nomos (21 mm, 7.91 g, 12h). Nude warrior on horseback left, holding reins in right hand and small round shield in left; to left, Nike standing facing, restraining the horse with both hands; below, [ΛΥΚΙΣΚΟΣ]. Rev. ΤΑΡΑΣ, the youthful oikist riding dolphin left, holding round shield inscribed Ε in left hand and extending right hand; to left, ΖΟΡ; below, stylized waves. HN Italy 963; Vlasto 679–682. This impressive issue belongs to the rich coinage of Tarentum, one of Magna Graecia’s most powerful cities. The obverse scene depicts a warrior mounted on a spirited horse, restrained by Nike, goddess of victory, a potent emblem of Tarentum’s military strength and aspirations during the Pyrrhic War era. The reverse type, showing Taras, the legendary founder of the city, astride a dolphin, is one of the most enduring civic images of the Greek world, symbolizing both divine favor and Tarentum’s close ties to the sea. The inscribed shield and magistrates’ names provide further precision for the issue, reflecting the city’s complex and prolific minting activity. Beautifully toned and struck in fine style, with pleasing detail and artistry characteristic of Tarentine coinage in the late Classical period.