Mythical Taras Didrachm VF by NGC

The Greek colony of Taras was founded by Spartan refugees around 700BC and flourished for close to 500 years. Following the instruction of the oracle at Delphi, the refugees set sail toward the Italian peninsula. A popular story surrounding the colony illustrates their leader Phalanthos finding himself shipwrecked before reaching land. He was then saved by a dolphin that carried him to shore. This tale mirrors the Greek myth of Taras, the son of Poseidon, who was also saved by a dolphin. In return, the city that was founded was named Taras.

Taras was an important Greek harbor city in Italy, located on the west coast of the Calabrian peninsula. It was renowned for breeding Warhorses and having a robust military cavalry. Taras became one of the most powerful Grecian cities and was extremely influential on commerce, travel, and warfare, capable of arming over 20,000 men for war at a moment’s notice.The image of a boy riding a dolphin can be found on the obverse of most coins from Taras - later to be replaced by a rider on horseback. Once the design changed, there were many different versions of the horseback reverse on coins in varying denominations.