Numismatic

Calabria Tarentum AR Stater Rider (302-281 BC) Ch XF (Vlasto-695)

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Struck in the ancient Greek city of Tarentum, located in modern-day southern Italy, this silver stater dates back to the period from 302 to 281 BC. Weighing 7.80 grams, the coin showcases the remarkable artistry of classical antiquity, capturing movement and mythology in a compact silver medium. The obverse of the coin presents an energetic scene of a bareback rider on a galloping horse charging toward the right. The horseman is depicted in mid-action, wielding a spear in his right hand as if preparing to strike, while his left hand manages a shield and two additional spears. This detailed representation offers a glimpse into the martial imagery of the era. On the reverse, the coin transitions from human warfare to local mythology. It depicts the legendary figure Taras riding a dolphin toward the left. In this elegant composition, Taras holds a smaller dolphin in his outstretched right hand while stabilizing himself by resting his left hand directly on the back of his aquatic mount. This specific design is documented in numismatic literature under the reference Vlasto-695.