Drachm of Tarentum

Place of OriginItaly, Taranto (ancient Tarentum)

Date272-235 BCE

DimensionsDiam: 3/4 in. (1.9 cm)

MediumSilver coin

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Carl B. Spitzer

Object number

1934.5

Not on View

DescriptionObverse: boy on horse; reverse: Taras on dolphin, owl symbol.

Label TextThe figure riding the dolphin is the city’s founder, Taras. In the background is Athena’s sacred owl.Comparative ReferencesSee also Evans, A.J., "The Horsemen of Tarentum," Numismatic Chronicle, IX, 1889, p. 1-229. The TMA example corresponds closely to Evan's pl. 9, 3, which dates from Tarentum's period of alliance with Rome in 272-235 B.C.