Taras - AR Didrachm
Obverse
Name/Title
Taras - AR DidrachmEntry/Object ID
C2020-G90-538Description
A coin of the city-state of Taras featuring two emblems of the city, the horseman and dolphin-rider.Context
Taras was a Greek city-state established in 706 BCE by Spartan colonists in southern Italy. By the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, Taras became known for its 'horsemen': coinage featuring a nude, athletic horseman on the obverse, either riding fast, standing still, crowning the horse, or jumping off. These horsemen coins were likely meant to represent the skills of the renowned Tarentine cavalry. The dolphin-rider on the reverse of this coin holds a trident and a kantharos, a drinking vessel. However, the identity of the dolphin-rider on the coinage of Taras is debated. The most likely identifications include Phalanthus, the historic founder of the city-state, or Taras, the mythical hero and son of Poseidon for whom the city-state is named. The kantharos is thought to imply a libation (liquid offering to the gods) poured by the hero or founder for the city's well-being. Furthermore, the trident that the dolphin-rider is holding could perhaps be advertising the fishing industry in Taras. If the dolphin-rider is in fact Taras, the presence of the trident could also be connecting him to his divine father, Poseidon.Collection
Hellenistic GreeceMintage
Mint
TarasDate made
225 BCE - 200 BCETime Period
HellenisticPlace of Origin
City
TarasCountry
ItalyManufacture Method
StruckCoin Details
Obverse
Description
Horseman riding right, holding palm, cockle-shell to left in field.Reverse
Description
Dolphin rider, left, holding trident and kantharos, eagle to right in field.Transcription
TAΡASTranslation
TarasIssuing Authority
TarentumDenomination
AR DidrachmEthnography
Cultural Region
Country
ItalyCulture/Tribe
Greek