1/2 stater. Greek Coins. Calabria. Tarentum. 333-331/0 BC. (Hgc-1, 767). TAPANTINΩN. Head of Hera right, wearing stephane, triple-pendant earring and necklace; in left field, E. TAPAΣ Dolphin rider left, holding small dolphin on outstretched right. hand and trident in left; below, T – K. Magnificent and extremely rare specimen of outstanding quality. Exceptionally fine-style strike with all details sharply defined, showcasing the engraver's remarkable skill. Lovely color with considerable original luster. Very few specimens of this issue are known, and this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples in private hands. Comparable to the specimen sold by NAC, Auction 114 (06/05/2019), lot 9, with which it shares the same reverse die. Private acquisition from Numismática Trilla during the 1990s. Towards the end of the 4th century BC, Tarentum faced increasing pressure from neighboring Italic peoples, particularly the Lucanians and Bruttians. To defend itself, the city enlisted Greek mercenary commanders, including Archidamus III of Sparta in 340 BC and Alexander I of Epirus, known as Alexander the Molossian, brother of Olympias and uncle of Alexander the Great, in 334 BC. Between 333 and 332 BC, Alexander achieved important victories over the Lucanians, Bruttians and Samnites, recovering Greek cities such as Heraclea and Metapontum. However, his relations with Tarentum deteriorated, and around 331 BC he was killed during a military campaign while attempting to cross a river as he fled the enemy. Remarkably, the location of his death, near Pandosia and the River Acheron, matched the names associated with an ancient prophecy concerning his fate. This gold hemistater was struck at Tarentum to help finance Alexander I's mercenary army. The obverse depicts Hera, a goddess particularly revered by Greeks of Dorian origin. The reverse features the characteristic figure riding a dolphin, the emblem of the city. Although its identification as Taras or Phalanthos remains debated, the presence of Poseidon's trident, the mythological father of Taras, supports its attribution to the latter. AU. Lovely and extremely rare!!. Vlasto. 5. De Luynes. 247. Jameson. 149. Au. 4,29.

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Lot description

Calabria. Tarentum. 1/2 stater. 333-331/0 BC. (Hgc-1, 767). (Vlasto-5). (De Luynes-247). (Jameson-149). Anv.: TAPANTINΩN. Head of Hera right, wearing stephane, triple-pendant earring and necklace; in left field, E. Rev.: TAPAΣ Dolphin rider left, holding small dolphin on outstretched right. hand and trident in left; below, T - K. Au. 4,29 g.

Magnificent and extremely rare specimen of outstanding quality. Exceptionally fine-style strike with all details sharply defined, showcasing the engraver's remarkable skill. Lovely color with considerable original luster.

Very few specimens of this issue are known, and this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples in private hands. Comparable to the specimen sold by NAC, Auction 114 (06/05/2019), lot 9, with which it shares the same reverse die.

Private acquisition from Numismática Trilla during the 1990s.

Towards the end of the 4th century BC, Tarentum faced increasing pressure from neighboring Italic peoples, particularly the Lucanians and Bruttians. To defend itself, the city enlisted Greek mercenary commanders, including Archidamus III of Sparta in 340 BC and Alexander I of Epirus, known as Alexander the Molossian, brother of Olympias and uncle of Alexander the Great, in 334 BC.

Between 333 and 332 BC, Alexander achieved important victories over the Lucanians, Bruttians and Samnites, recovering Greek cities such as Heraclea and Metapontum. However, his relations with Tarentum deteriorated, and around 331 BC he was killed during a military campaign while attempting to cross a river as he fled the enemy. Remarkably, the location of his death, near Pandosia and the River Acheron, matched the names associated with an ancient prophecy concerning his fate.

This gold hemistater was struck at Tarentum to help finance Alexander I's mercenary army. The obverse depicts Hera, a goddess particularly revered by Greeks of Dorian origin. The reverse features the characteristic figure riding a dolphin, the emblem of the city. Although its identification as Taras or Phalanthos remains debated, the presence of Poseidon's trident, the mythological father of Taras, supports its attribution to the latter. AU. Est...35000,00.

Starting bid

10.000 €

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Lot 1023 | Greek Coins

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Lot description