Lot 1502
Calabria, Taras. Silver Nomos (6.64 g), ca. 272-240 BC. Sy… and Lykinos, magistrates. Youth on horseback left, crowning horse with wreath; behind and below in two lines, magistrate's names: ΣY and ΛYKI/NOΣ. Reverse: TA-PAΣ, Phalanthos riding dolphin left, hurling trident; behind, owl standing left, head facing. Vlasto 836; HN Italy 1025. Gorgeous iridescent toning. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $1,000 - 1,200
From The Herbert & Aphrodite Rubin Collection; Ex Coin Galleries (16 November 1983), 155.
The reverse type refers to the miraculous salvation of Phalanthos, the Parthenian founder of Taras, who was said to have fallen overboard as he made the crossing from Greece to Southern Italy. He would have drowned if not for a dolphin that swam to his aid and carried him to safety on the Italian shore. He founded Taras not far from the site where he was brought to land.
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| Realized $1,528 |
