Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 133 21 Nov 2022
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Greek Coins. Calabria, Tarentum.
Stater circa 302, AV 8.55 g. TAPA Veiled and diademed head of Hera r., wearing earring and necklace; below chin, dolphin swimming downwards. Behind neck, IOP. Rev. Horse stepping r., crowned by rider; in field l., ΣΙ. Beneath horse, tripod. Vlasto –. de Luynes 242 (these dies). SNG France 1842 (these dies). Fischer-Bossert G 19. Historia Numorum Italy 953.
Of the highest rarity, only the second and by far the finest specimen known. A delicate
portrait of excellent style - the work of a skilled master engraver. An insignificant mark
on neck, otherwise extremely fine / good extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 48, 2008, 5.
The reverse of this gold stater falls comfortably within the scope of Tarentine coin designs showing horsemen in a range of riding styles and riding activities that illustrate horses in every pose, from standing to leaping in high action. In this case we have a relatively sedentary scene, but one which certainly relates to a victory in a horse race due to the inclusion of a wreath and a tripod. Horseback riding was introduced at the thirty-third Olympic Games, held in 648 B.C., and generally took a secondary place to chariot events. Beyond the typical horse race, the keles, other events included javelin throwing from horseback, and acrobatics, such as riders leaping on and off horseback, and riders finishing the race course on foot beside their mount (the anabates, 'dismounter'). Since the saddle and stirrup were not yet invented, riding was more dangerous in ancient times, and spectators were ever-interested in witnessing a mishap. This design finds a parallel on a famous Attic pot dateable to c. 520-500 B.C. The vase depicts a victorious rider on horseback, preceded by a herald and followed by an attendant who carries two prizes, a wreath in his outstretched hand and a high-handled tripod balanced upon his head (BMC Vases B 144). Numerous tripods have been found at Olympia in the excavations of the stadium banks, and it would appear that they were used as prizes at the early festivals.
Stater circa 302, AV 8.55 g. TAPA Veiled and diademed head of Hera r., wearing earring and necklace; below chin, dolphin swimming downwards. Behind neck, IOP. Rev. Horse stepping r., crowned by rider; in field l., ΣΙ. Beneath horse, tripod. Vlasto –. de Luynes 242 (these dies). SNG France 1842 (these dies). Fischer-Bossert G 19. Historia Numorum Italy 953.
Of the highest rarity, only the second and by far the finest specimen known. A delicate
portrait of excellent style - the work of a skilled master engraver. An insignificant mark
on neck, otherwise extremely fine / good extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 48, 2008, 5.
The reverse of this gold stater falls comfortably within the scope of Tarentine coin designs showing horsemen in a range of riding styles and riding activities that illustrate horses in every pose, from standing to leaping in high action. In this case we have a relatively sedentary scene, but one which certainly relates to a victory in a horse race due to the inclusion of a wreath and a tripod. Horseback riding was introduced at the thirty-third Olympic Games, held in 648 B.C., and generally took a secondary place to chariot events. Beyond the typical horse race, the keles, other events included javelin throwing from horseback, and acrobatics, such as riders leaping on and off horseback, and riders finishing the race course on foot beside their mount (the anabates, 'dismounter'). Since the saddle and stirrup were not yet invented, riding was more dangerous in ancient times, and spectators were ever-interested in witnessing a mishap. This design finds a parallel on a famous Attic pot dateable to c. 520-500 B.C. The vase depicts a victorious rider on horseback, preceded by a herald and followed by an attendant who carries two prizes, a wreath in his outstretched hand and a high-handled tripod balanced upon his head (BMC Vases B 144). Numerous tripods have been found at Olympia in the excavations of the stadium banks, and it would appear that they were used as prizes at the early festivals.