TARENTUM. Calabria. Time of Kleonymos. Ca. 302 B.C. Third Stater. Head of Athena r., wearing a Corinthian helmet adorned with a serpent. Rv. Taras driving biga r., holding a trident and reins, star above, dolphin below the horses. 2.86 grams. Pozzi 327, Vlasto 19 (same dies), HN Italy 955, SNG Cop.838 var. Rare. Very minor double-striking on the reverse. A well-struck, finely executed Gold fraction. Good Very Fine. (Est. $5,000-$6,000)
This issue was likely struck during the time that Tarentum beseeched Spartan aid against the Lucanians. Leading 5,000 mercenaries, Kleonymos forced the Lucanians to sue for peace.
| |
|