Clashing Waves of Tarentum

That's an SWEET new dolphin wave ride you got there Z!
That's dolphin pod you have going there is AWESOME!

 

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I like the second one, which I’m guessing is archaic. There’s a book about the sea in Greek imagination that features one on the cover, and I’ve been looking for one since I bought bought the book. But they seemed to be fairly expensive so I’m in no rush.

http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/15411.html

I haven’t read it yet but it is based on her dissertation, which I have read. That was really interesting.

 

That variety is very early 5th century BC and can get pricey when well-centered and in good enough condition that alot of border design on both sides survive. The example on that book cover is just about perfect!

 

Some very lovely coins here. I always considered these out of my price range, but an eBay $33 "buy it now" earlier this year landed me this one:



Calabria, Tarentum
AR Nomos
Hippodanos Magistrate
(c. 280-272 B.C.)
Naked youth on horseback right, crowning self; ΣΩ to left, ZAΛO & Ionic capital below / Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding distaff & aphlaston; TAΡAΣ below;
ANO to right. Vlasto 803–7.
(6.41 grams / 20 mm)

 

HJB had one recently but I wasn’t ready to take the plunge.

 

That's an excellent price for a very nice example!

 

I got very, very lucky. The seller is one I've dealt with before - he deals in all sorts of stuff, coins and stamps, but not many ancients. He put this up, and an "unknown" Roman bronze which turned out to be a respectable Philip the Arab sestertius ($15 buy it now). That was a good post office day when they showed up!

 

I have one I bought for the cool waves:


This is from the SteveX6 collection, I am sure you have seen it before:

This is the first one I bought (clearly needs a new photograph):


John

 

@lordmarcovan What do you think of the second one?

Here is CNG's picture:


In hand, it looks more like my picture unless you are in indirect, natural light.

John

 

Awesome example of a Tarentum dolphin rider. In addition to other lovely attributes, this coin has a complete dolphin-- the nose isn't chopped off and the engraving style is very artistic on both sides. Your example with waves is fabulous too.

 

Nice waves, @Theodosius! And of course I'm a big fan of the ex x6 coin... the obverse is outstanding and the dolphin's expression is just classic .

 

Steve calls it the angry dolphin, if I remember correctly.

 

Nice Tarentum Collection!

Here is my wavy example:

 

IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG
wrong photo?

Also my first Taras is this non-die match from a Frank Robinson sale over 30 years ago ($100.55 postpaid). Yours is much nicer! We disagree on which side is the obverse.

 

Amazing coins! I love it.
Mine is just a fourrée. Weight: 5.2g