Item number: A1175

Year: 344-334 BC

Material: Silver

Size: 20.6 x 20.3 x 3.1 mm

Weight: 7.85 g

Provenance: Jean Elsen & ses Fils 2024

This is a silver coin issued by the city-state of Tarento in Southern Italy during the ancient Greek period, with a denomination of 1 Nomos. One Nomos is equivalent to two Drachmas and was primarily used for large transactions or savings purposes. The standard weight ranges between 7.5 grams and 8 grams, though the weight may vary among different city-states.

The obverse of the silver coin features a man holding a spear, riding on horseback, with the inscription KAΛ underneath the horse. This inscription is commonly interpreted as connoting “good” or “noble,” and may have been employed on various ancient Greek coins to describe the virtues, prosperity, or the elegance of the citizens of a particular city or region. The equestrian imagery on the coin is a characteristic feature of Tarentine silver coins, reflecting Tarento’s appreciation for Greek traditions and horsemanship. The depiction of horsemen began to appear in the late 5th century BC, indicating the reputation of Tarento’s cavalry.

The reverse of the coin depicts Taras riding on a dolphin, gazing at the helmet he holds in his hand, with the inscription “TAPAΣ” on the left edge, representing Taras, and “KAΛ” beneath the dolphin. Taras is the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, symbolising the power and vitality of the ocean. According to Greek mythology, Taras became stranded during a maritime adventure, at which point a group of dolphins appeared to guide him safely to shore, where he ultimately founded the city of Tarento. Consequently, the image of the dolphin further emphasises Tarento’s identity as a port city.

The name Tarento is closely associated with Taras, symbolising the connection between this sea deity and the city. Tarento became a centre of maritime trade and cultural exchange in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, reflecting the relationship between Taras and the sea.

物件編號: A1175

年代: 公元前 344-334 年

材質: 銀

尺寸: 20.6 x 20.3 x 3.1 mm

重量: 7.85 g

來源: 比利時 Jean Elsen & ses Fils拍賣 2024

這是一枚古希臘時期來自於義大利南部的塔倫托城邦所發行的銀幣，面額為1諾摩斯(Nomos)。一個諾摩斯等同於兩個德拉馬克，多作為大型交易或者儲蓄功能。標準重量為7.5克～8克之間，重量會依不同城邦而有所不同。

銀幣正面為一男子拿著長矛，騎在馬背上，在馬底下有KAΛ，常被解釋為「美好」與「優秀」意涵，在一些古希臘硬幣上可能用來形容某個城市或地方的美德、繁榮或其市民的優雅。銀幣上騎馬圖像為塔倫托銀幣的典型特徵，反應塔倫托對希臘傳統和對騎術的重視。從公元前5世紀末開始出現騎馬者的圖案，反應塔倫托騎兵的名聲。

背面為塔拉斯騎在海豚上，看著他手上拿的頭盔，左側邊緣寫著「TAPAΣ」代表塔拉斯，海豚下也有著KAΛ。塔拉斯為海神波賽頓的兒子，代表海洋的力量和生命。根據希臘的神話，塔拉斯在一次航海探險中被困在海上，這時一群海豚出現，指引他安全到達岸邊，最終他在此建立了塔倫托城。因此，海豚的形象也更加的凸顯塔倫托作為港口城市的特徵。

塔倫托的名字與塔拉斯密切相關，象徵著這位海神與城市的聯繫。塔倫托在古希臘和羅馬文化中成為了海洋貿易和文化交流的中心，這也反映了塔拉斯與海洋的關係。