Greek City of Taras Silver Didrachm - Horseman with Shield and Taras on Dolphin c. 281-228 BC | (Strike: 5/5 - Surface: 4/5) NGC AU*

Why add this Ancient Silver Didrachm of Taras to your collection?

This Silver Didrachm was struck in the ancient city of Taras, now known as Taranto, located in southern Italy. Founded by Spartans in 706 BC, the colony became commercially successful, requiring the ability to pay mercenary soldiers to defend the city. The result was the minting of much coinage during the two centuries before Taras fell to Rome on 207 BC. Taras, patron diety and namesake of the city, and the son of the mythical god of the sea Poseidon, was featured on the city’s coinage.

The reverse features the patron deity riding on the back of a dolphin. This image references the myth that Poseidon sent a dolphin to rescue Taras from a shipwreck. The obverse is dedicated to the love of horses and horse racing by the population of Taras, depicting a horseman with a shield astride a galloping horse. The city name is engraved in small letters on the reverse, and the initials of the magistrate appear beneath the animals on both sides of the coin.

The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has graded this Silver Stater About Uncirculated. NGC also awarded this coin a special designation of Star (*), which is given for a significant design aspect related to strike, surface or style, which increases value to collectors. Don’t miss this opportunity to add an ancient coin struck 281-228 BC with stunning mythical imagery to your collection. Purchase today from MCM!