★ Hannibalic War Issue ★

CALABRIA. Tarentum. Punic occupation, circa 212-209 BC. 1/2 Shekel (Silver, 20 mm, 3.85 g, 12 h), struck under the magistrate Sokannas. ΣΩKAN-NAΣ Armored warrior on horse standing right, holding palm branch in right hand. Rev. TAPAΣ Taras astride dolphin left, holding kantharos in right hand and trident in left; to right, eagle standing left, wings spread. HGC 1, 934. HN III 1082. SNG ANS 1272. Vlasto 984-6. Extremely fine.

During the Second Punic War Tarentum switched sides in 212 BC and joined forces with Hannibal. The Punic army took control of the city but could not get access to the citadel, which remained in the hands of Roman allies. The strategic value of Tarentum for Hannibal was much diminished by the inability to take the enemy stronghold within the city.