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CALABRIA, Tarentum. Circa 290-281 BC. AR Nomos (21.5mm, 7.89 g, 1h). Warrior, holding shield and two spears, preparing to cast a third, on horseback right; ΦIΛI below / Phalanthos, holding dolphin and distaff, riding dolphin left; ivy leaf to right, ΦI above waves below. Fischer-Bossert Group 79, 1097a (V410/R845 – this coin); Vlasto –; HN Italy 934; SNG Lockett 185 (same dies). Deep iridescent tone, minor die wear on obverse. VF.
Ex Helbing 83 (19 August 1941), lot 47; Cahn 71 (14 October 1931), lot 44.
The city of Tarentum was founded in the late 8th century BC by Spartan colonists on the north coast of the gulf of the same name, on a rocky islet at the entrance to the only secure harbor. It was Sparta's only colony and maintained close relations with its mother city. The official founder of the city was believed to be the Spartan leader Phalanthos. Ancient tradition, however, tells how Taras, the son of Poseidon and a local nymph, Satyra, was miraculously saved from a shipwreck by his father, who sent a dolphin on whose back he was carried to shore, at which spot he founded a city.
Blessed with fertile land, Tarentum became famous for olives and sheep. It possessed a fine harbor, great fisheries and profitable exports of wool, purple dye, and pottery. It adopted a democratic form of government circa 475 BC, and thereafter became the leading Greek city in southern Italy. Its success led to continual difficulties with its neighbor cities, though, and on four occasions Tarentum required expeditions from Greece to help overcome its aggressors. The last of these expeditions was led by the famed Epeirote, Pyrrhos. Following his withdrawal from the city, Tarentum was occupied by the Romans
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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