Taras, silver stater (coin)

Dateca. 300-200 B.C.

MediumSilver

DimensionsDiameter: 3/4 inches (1.9 cm);
Weight: 6.473 grams, Axis: 1:00

CultureGreece

ClassificationsMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Robert E. Ostrander, Class of 1952, and Margaret Servello Ostrander

Terms

Metalwork
Silver
Animals
Dolphins
Horses

Object number2002.021.012

Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION This is a silver coin issued by the ancient Greek city Tarentum. WHERE WAS IT MADE? This coin was made in the ancient Greek city of Tarentum, or Taras, located on the southern coast of present-day Italy, now known as Taranto. HOW WAS IT MADE? This coin was made by striking two metal dies, like stamps, onto either side of a heated silver metal blank (a round blank disk of silver). The dies were often made of bronze. The die for the obverse, or front side of the coin, (in this case, the side with the dolphin) was set in an anvil. The blank was set on the die, then the die for the reverse side was placed on top and struck with a hammer. This technique can rapidly produce multiple copies. HOW WAS IT USED? Just as coins are used today, in ancient Greece they were used to purchase goods. Governments or rulers established the value of different coins based on their weight. The stater was the standard, usually largest, coinage denomination of a state. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? Notice the figure riding on the back of a dolphin on the obverse (front) of the coin. This is Taras, son of the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. Coins minted in Tarentum feature the figure of Taras. There are different legends explaining the founding of the city; according to one it was founded by Taras himself, and according to another it was founded by a man named Phalanthus. Legend has it that Taras, having been shipwrecked, was carried ashore by a dolphin. A similar tale was told about Phalanthus. In either case, Taras astride a dolphin became the symbol for the city, and is still on the coat of arms of Taranto today. On the reverse side of the coin is the image of a horse and rider.

Collections