CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 430-425 BC. Nomos or Didrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 7.99 g, 6 h). T-APA-N-TI-NΩN Phalanthos, nude, riding a dolphin swimming to right, extending his left hand and resting his right on the back of the dolphin; below, scallop shell. Rev. Young man ( Oikist - Taras ), draped from the waist, seated to left on stool with four legs, holding a kantharos in his right hand, and a spindle in his left. Fischer-Bossert 243 (V116/R182). Gillet Plates 59 ( this coin ). HN III 844. SNG ANS 854 ( same dies ). Vlasto 213 ( same dies ). Attractively toned, with beautifully engraved types and with a pedigree to one of the most important collections of the 20th century. Struck on a slightly tight flan and with some minor flatness. Nearly extremely fine.

From the collection of Charles Gillet (Kunstfreund).

This Tarentine coin from the 3rd quarter of the 5th century is one of the very rare pieces, known since at least the mid 1970s, to have escaped Fischer-Bossert's eagle eye! It must have come on the market no later than the earlier 1960s, but very probably much earlier than that. It would be fascinating to know where it came from!