Taras - AR Didrachm
Obverse
Name/Title
Taras - AR DidrachmEntry/Object ID
C2017-G70-457Description
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. During 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 distaff, representing the textile industry of the city-state and perhaps serves as a civic advertisement for its most prolific export. 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. This coin suggests that either the founder or hero being depicted was considered to be the patron of the textile industry.Collection
Hellenistic GreeceMintage
Mint
TarasDate made
300 BCE - 275 BCETime Period
HellenisticPlace of Origin
City
TarasCountry
ItalyManufacture Method
StruckCoin Details
Obverse
Description
Horseman riding, right, as armed ephebus with shield and three spears; below, ΣA.Reverse
Description
Dophin-rider, left, holding distaff in left hand; below, a prow.Transcription
TAΡAΣTranslation
TarasIssuing Authority
TarentumDenomination
AR DidrachmEthnography
Cultural Region
Country
ItalyCulture/Tribe
Greek