Taras and the Dolphin Pendant

A youth riding a dolphin, a representation of Taras, the son of Poseidon, the sea deity. Holding a trident and accompanied by Nike crowning him, this image beautifully evokes the divine connection between Taras and Tarentum.

According to the founding myth of the city of Taras (Tarentum), Taras was rescued by a dolphin when lost at sea, delivering him to the shores of Calabria in Italy, where the city of Taras would flourish. Another legend tells of Taras performing sacrifices to honour his father, Poseidon, and a dolphin's appearance as a good omen, encouraging the founding of the city. To this day, dolphins inhabit the Gulf of Taranto, a living testament to these ancient stories.

When this coin was struck, four hundred years after Taras's founding, the city was under the rule of the philosopher Archytas, known for his governance and the exceptional beauty of his coinage designs. Taras’s commercial success and the need to pay mercenary soldiers for defence led to the production of millions of silver didrachms in the two centuries before Rome’s conquest around 207 B.C.

The reverse side of this coin celebrates the Tarentines' deep love of horses and horse racing, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. Unlike their Spartan forebears, who viewed horse riding as a sign of weakness, the people of Taras embraced horses as powerful tools of warfare. They became expert horsemen and breeders, recognising that well-trained cavalry could easily defeat infantry.

• Coin Ø 19mm

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Each ancient coin and artefact used in our jewellery has been restored and professionally stabilised to ensure it can be enjoyed for lifetimes. Patina, the natural toning and oxidation on silver or bronze coins, is not dirt; it is a protective layer formed over hundreds of years, adding to the coin’s unique history. Conservation efforts aim to stabilise and preserve these valuable patinas whenever possible. Silver naturally tones over time, developing a soft to deep grey with brighter highlights on raised surfaces. This toning is highly coveted, adding a touch of age and beauty to the coin’s details that only time can provide.

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