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The Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos, minted between 272 and 235 B.C., is a remarkable piece of ancient coinage from the Greek city-state of Tarentum, located in the region of Calabria in southern Italy. Tarentum was a prominent Greek colony known for its powerful navy, wealth, and influence in the Mediterranean. The coin was struck during a period of significant political and military activity, as the city faced external threats, including wars with neighboring powers such as the Samnites and later the Romans. This particular Nomos coin provides insight into the wealth and artistic culture of Tarentum during the Hellenistic period, a time when the city was flourishing and asserting its dominance in the region. The Nomos was a large, silver coin that was used for major transactions, often in trade and military expenditure, underlining the economic importance of Tarentum at the time.
The obverse of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos features a powerful and dynamic image of a warrior on horseback, a design that was commonly used in Greek coinage to symbolize military prowess and strength. The warrior is shown in profile, wearing a helmet and wielding a spear, with his horse in mid-motion, evoking a sense of speed and action. This image of the warrior on horseback likely reflects the military power of Tarentum, which relied heavily on its cavalry for both defense and expansion. The warrior's depiction in fine detail showcases the skill of the ancient engravers who produced these coins, with attention given to the flowing mane of the horse and the warrior's stance. This design speaks to the martial spirit of the city, which prided itself on its military achievements and its ability to defend its sovereignty in the volatile Mediterranean world.
On the reverse of the coin, the city’s patron god, Taras, is depicted riding a dolphin. This image is both artistic and symbolic, with the dolphin representing the city’s maritime heritage. Taras, the legendary founder of Tarentum, is shown in a youthful and dynamic pose, symbolizing the city’s divine protection and its naval strength. The dolphin, often associated with the sea in Greek mythology, further reinforces the connection between the city and its naval dominance. The reverse also features a wreath, a symbol of victory, further suggesting the city’s pride in its military and naval successes. The combination of the warrior on horseback and Taras on the dolphin on the reverse reflects the dual military and maritime strengths of Tarentum, making the coin a powerful symbol of the city’s identity and its cultural and religious values.
The minting of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos would have taken place in the city’s primary mint, which produced a variety of coin types for use in both domestic and international trade. Tarentum was one of the most important Greek colonies in Italy and had a flourishing economy, supported by its strategic location and control of vital trade routes in the Mediterranean. The production of these large silver Nomos coins was essential for the city's economic stability, enabling it to fund its military ventures, build infrastructure, and engage in trade with neighboring regions. The coins also served as symbols of Tarentum's prestige, often issued to commemorate military victories or as offerings to the gods. The minting of such large, intricate coins would have required skilled artisans, and the artistry displayed on the Nomos reflects the high level of craftsmanship of Tarentum's minting facility.
While the precise mintage of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos is difficult to determine, it is clear that these coins were produced in significant numbers. The widespread circulation of these coins throughout the Mediterranean indicates that Tarentum played an important role in the economic and military activities of the time. These Nomos coins were not only used in daily commerce but also in larger-scale transactions, such as paying mercenaries or financing military campaigns. The fact that these coins have survived for over two thousand years in relatively good condition further suggests that they were valued and carefully hoarded, preserved as relics of the city's proud history and its enduring influence in the ancient world. The Nomos, as one of the largest silver coins of the Hellenistic period, would have been a striking presence in the marketplaces, further asserting Tarentum’s importance as a commercial and military power.
The coin is graded as in Excellent, or AU (About Uncirculated) condition, which indicates that it has been well-preserved with only minor signs of wear, primarily from circulation. The details on both the obverse and reverse are sharp, with the warrior’s figure and the horse’s mane clearly visible. The image of Taras riding the dolphin on the reverse retains its full definition, and the coin's overall appearance is one of impressive preservation for a piece of this age. While some minor wear is expected due to the passage of time and the coin’s use in daily transactions, the overall condition of the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos is exceptional for a coin that is over two millennia old. The fine detail and clarity of the design suggest that it was either well-preserved through careful handling or has undergone minimal wear during its time in circulation.
The silver content of the coin further adds to its value, both as a collectible and as a piece of historical significance. As with most Greek coinage of this period, the Nomos was struck from high-quality silver, which would have been essential for its use in trade. The coin’s weight and silver purity were important factors in its acceptance as currency across the Mediterranean, and the large size of the Nomos made it an ideal denomination for significant transactions. Coins like this one would have been used in exchanges that required a reliable and recognizable form of currency, ensuring that the influence of Tarentum extended far beyond its own borders.
In conclusion, the Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos from 272-235 B.C. is a stunning example of ancient Greek coinage, combining artistic beauty with historical significance. The design, featuring a warrior on horseback and the god Taras on a dolphin, reflects the city’s dual focus on military strength and naval dominance. The coin’s minting in the prosperous and influential city of Tarentum further underscores its importance in the Mediterranean world. Its excellent preservation in AU condition ensures that it remains a valuable artifact for collectors and historians, offering a tangible connection to a city that played a crucial role in the ancient world. The Tarentum Calabria AR Nomos is not just a piece of currency but a representation of the cultural, military, and religious ideals of a proud and powerful Greek colony, making it a prized object in any numismatic collection.