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The Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos, struck between 272 and 235 B.C., represents a fascinating piece of ancient Greek numismatic history. Tarentum, a prominent Greek colony located in southern Italy, was a powerful city-state that played a key role in the Mediterranean world during the Hellenistic period. The city was known for its wealth, strong military, and naval prowess, and its coinage was an essential part of its economy and political influence. The period in which the Nomos was minted was marked by significant military activity, particularly during the conflicts with neighboring powers like the Samnites and the expanding Roman Republic. This coin provides insight into Tarentum's cultural values, religious identity, and its military and maritime strength, all of which were central to its prominence in the ancient world.
The obverse of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos features a striking image of a warrior on horseback, a motif that was commonly used in Greek coinage to symbolize martial prowess and strength. The warrior is shown in profile, riding a horse in full motion, and is armed with a spear, which he holds firmly. His helmet, detailed with fine engravings, and his clothing, draped in a flowing manner, enhance the sense of movement and vitality. The horse, depicted with incredible attention to detail, conveys a sense of power and elegance. The horse’s legs and mane are sculpted in high relief, bringing a sense of life and dynamism to the design. This image of the warrior on horseback reflects Tarentum's military traditions, particularly its reliance on cavalry, which played a crucial role in both defending the city and asserting its dominance in the region. The warrior’s youthful appearance may also symbolize the vitality and hope of the city’s future.
The reverse of the coin features the figure of Taras, the legendary founder of Tarentum, riding a dolphin. Taras, often portrayed as a youthful and athletic figure, is depicted without a beard, emphasizing his divine nature. He is shown gracefully seated on the back of the dolphin, which is an important symbol in the city’s religious and cultural identity. The dolphin, in Greek mythology, was associated with the sea and the god Apollo, symbolizing the maritime strength of Tarentum. The depiction of Taras riding a dolphin is a powerful reminder of the city’s close relationship with the sea and its reliance on naval power. The image also evokes the idea of divine protection, with Taras serving as both a spiritual and civic guardian for the people of Tarentum. The design of the dolphin is highly detailed, and its sleek form contrasts beautifully with the flowing figure of Taras, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between the city and its patron deity.
The minting of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos would have taken place in the city’s highly regarded mint, which was an essential part of the city's economic infrastructure. Tarentum was strategically located on the coast, allowing it to control vital trade routes in the Mediterranean. Its mint produced a variety of coin types, including the Nomos, which was a large silver coin used for major transactions and military expenditures. The Nomos was a high-value coin that facilitated trade, especially in the city’s extensive commerce with other Greek colonies, as well as with local populations. Tarentum's economy was robust, and the mint played a significant role in supporting the city-state's military campaigns, which were frequent during this period. Coins like the Nomos were not only used for day-to-day exchanges but also served as symbols of Tarentum’s power and prestige in the Mediterranean world.
The mintage of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos, though difficult to determine with exact precision, was likely considerable, given the city’s active military and commercial life. These coins were produced in large quantities to support the city’s economic activities and to fund military endeavors. Tarentum, with its strategic location and powerful navy, was an important player in the region, and the need for a robust currency to facilitate trade and military expenditures would have been paramount. The widespread circulation of these coins indicates that they were widely accepted and valued, both within Tarentum and in other parts of the Mediterranean. The large size and silver content of the Nomos made it suitable for high-value transactions, particularly in trade, mercenary pay, and other significant exchanges.
The coin is graded as Choice XF, or Choice Extremely Fine, indicating that it is in excellent condition for its age. The coin exhibits only light wear, which is typical for a piece that was in circulation during its time. The details of the warrior on horseback remain sharp, with fine relief on both the horse’s musculature and the warrior’s attire. The facial features of the rider are well-defined, as is the warrior's pose, conveying both strength and vitality. The reverse, featuring Taras on the dolphin, is also exceptionally well-preserved. The figure of Taras is clear and detailed, with only minimal signs of wear. The dolphin, with its graceful form, retains its distinctive shape, and the overall composition remains harmonious and balanced. The coin’s surfaces are smooth, with a fine patina that reflects its age and history. The level of preservation on this coin is a testament to the quality of the minting process in Tarentum and the care with which it was handled by subsequent owners.
The silver content of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos is another notable aspect of the coin. As with many ancient Greek coins, the Nomos was struck from high-quality silver, which was crucial for its acceptance as currency. The coin’s large size and weight made it suitable for major transactions, whether in trade or military contracts. The silver content would have been carefully regulated by the mint to ensure that the coin maintained its value, making it a reliable form of currency for the citizens of Tarentum and their trading partners. The high-quality silver used in the production of these coins, combined with the fine artistry of the design, contributed to the Nomos' widespread recognition and use in the Mediterranean world.
The Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos is not just a piece of currency; it is a representation of the city’s identity and values. The coin’s design, featuring a warrior on horseback and the god Taras on a dolphin, reflects the dual nature of Tarentum’s strength: its military might on land and its naval superiority. The coin’s imagery also serves to reinforce the religious and cultural significance of the city’s patron deity, Taras, who was believed to provide divine protection. The combination of military and maritime symbols on the coin speaks to the strategic importance of Tarentum in the ancient world and highlights its enduring legacy as a powerful Greek colony in southern Italy. The coin's use of high-quality silver and its large size further enhance its significance as both a functional currency and a work of art.
In conclusion, the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos from 272-235 B.C. is a stunning example of ancient Greek coinage. The intricate design, featuring the warrior on horseback and Taras on the dolphin, reflects the city’s martial and maritime strength, as well as its religious identity. The coin’s minting in Tarentum, a major Greek colony in southern Italy, highlights the city’s economic and political importance during the Hellenistic period. Graded as Choice XF, the coin is in excellent condition, with clear and sharp details that showcase the craftsmanship of the mint. The Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos is not only a valuable artifact for collectors but also a powerful symbol of one of the most important Greek colonies in the Mediterranean. Its historical, cultural, and artistic significance makes it an essential piece in any numismatic collection.