Numismatic

Calabria Taras AR Didrachm Boy on Dolphin (302-280 BC) VF NGC 4/3

---

Dating back to the period between 302 and 280 BC, this silver didrachm originates from the ancient city of Taras in Calabria, located in southern Italy. The coin offers a window into the artistic traditions of the ancient Greek world, rendered in a silver medium that has survived for over two millennia. The obverse of the coin displays a spirited warrior on horseback, poised in action. He holds a shield and two spears, with his arm positioned to cast a third spear. This active, martial imagery contrasts beautifully with the reverse design, which depicts the mythical figure Taras riding a dolphin toward the left. On this side, Taras is shown holding a distaff, a tool associated with spinning wool, blending local mythology with everyday ancient industry. This particular specimen has been graded as Very Fine, with its physical state further detailed by a strike rating of 4 out of 5 and a surface rating of 3 out of 5. The coin also exhibits minor edge chips, which are characteristic of ancient coinage that has circulated through the centuries.