Obverse: Naked warrior on horseback right, preparing to cast spear downward with right hand, holding shield and two spears in left hand; monogram to left, ΦI below.

Reverse: Taras astride dolphin left over waves, holding distaff; [eagle to left], TAPAΣ to right, ΦI below.

HN Italy 933; SNG ANS 979 [Calabria, Tarentum, 290-281 BC].

Diameter: 23 mm. Weight: 7.7 g.

A beautiful example of this classic ancient coin struck in the Greek colony of Tarentum, southern Italy. The reverse illustrates the creation myth of the colony - when Taras son of Poseidon was shipwrecked, his father rescued him by sending a dolphin which he rode to traverse the sea from the promontory of Taenarum to the south of Italy. Brought ashore, Taras founded Tarentum which was named in his honor. According to Pausanias, he was worshiped as a hero who named both the city and the river, Taras after himself. A fantastic near E.F example - unusually well centred with the entire dolphin, complete legends and attractive cabinet toning.