Ancient Greek Dolphin Coin Pendant

Obverse: Taras riding dolphin, holding trident
Reverse: Nude horseman traveling left
Date: c. 270 - 235 B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  8.58 grams
Diameter: 24 mm / .79 in

Description

This item is an authentic Greek silver coin, placed in a handmade bezel of 14k Gold. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos. 

History of the Artifact

This silver nomos was struck in the Greek colony of Tarentum between 272 and 235 BC, during the Hellenistic period when the city remained one of the wealthiest and most influential Greek settlements in southern Italy. The reverse depicts the hero Taras riding a dolphin while holding a trident, directly referencing the city’s foundation myth in which he was rescued from a shipwreck through the intervention of his divine father, Poseidon. The imagery served not only as civic identity but also as a declaration of Tarentum’s close relationship with the sea and its maritime power. The small owl placed behind the figure likely alludes to Athena, introducing an additional layer of divine protection and wisdom into the composition.

The obverse presents a youthful nude horseman, an enduring symbol of Tarentine pride and aristocratic culture. Tarentum was renowned throughout the Greek world for its cavalry, horse breeding, and equestrian competitions, and the repeated appearance of mounted riders on its coinage reflects both economic prosperity and elite social ideals. The relaxed but athletic portrayal emphasizes harmony, control, and refinement rather than warfare alone. Today, Tarentine nomoi are regarded as some of the most artistically accomplished coins of Magna Graecia, admired for their fluid engraving and deeply mythological character, offering a vivid glimpse into how the city projected identity, wealth, and divine favor through its coinage.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.

In antiquity, silver coinage from southern Italy was frequently buried for safekeeping during warfare, political instability, or personal precaution, creating hoards that remained hidden when their owners never returned to reclaim them. Protected underground and aided by the durability of silver, many pieces survived centuries of burial with their designs still remarkably detailed. Most examples known today originate from such hoards, which have been legally uncovered, carefully studied, and dispersed through the modern numismatic trade. From there they pass through reputable dealers and auctions, where they are authenticated, cataloged, and distributed as historical artifacts associated with the Greek colony of Tarentum rather than isolated accidental finds.