CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 280-272 BC. Nomos (Silver, 22 mm, 6.21 g, 11 h), on the reduced weight standard, under the magistrates Lykon, Si... and Gy.... Cavalryman, nude but for his helmet, striking downwards with a spear held in his right hand, with a shield over his far shoulder and holding two reserve spears in his left hand, riding a horse galloping to right; in the field behind him, ΣΙ; below, ΛΥΚΩΝ; in the field to right, over the horse's head, Nike flying left bearing a wreath to crown the cavalryman. Rev. ΤΑΡΑΣ Phalanthos, nude, holding a kantharos in his outstretched right hand and a trident in his left, riding a dolphin swimming to left; in the field to right, ΓΥ. Evans VIIA, 6. HN III 1004. Vlasto 730. Attractively toned and unusually well struck for this issue. Some minor flatness on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.

Acquired in 2000 from H. J. Berk in Chicago, USA.

Horses were the pride and joy of Tarentum's aristocracy, who were famed for their equestrian prowess, whether as cavalrymen in war, or as contestants in races.