Calabria, Taras. Silver Nomos (7.87 g), ca. 315-302 BC. Ari., X., and Kl., magistrates. Nude warrior, on horseback right, holding shield and two spears, thrusting with third spear downward; below horse, API; in left field, Ξ. Reverse: T-APAΣ, Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding kantharos and rudder; in left field, KΛ. Fischer-Bossert grp. 74a, 915 (V357/R710); HN Italy 939. struck from fresh dies, some corrosion in the reverse, otherwise extremely fine and one of the best examples!
The obverse of this nomos depicts an example of the mercenary cavalrymen for which Taras became famous in the Hellenistic period. The Tarentine cavalryman is believed to have been the first mounted warrior of the Greek world to carry a shield. This novelty made him popular in the armies of Hellenistic kings and led to the training of cavalrymen in the Tarentine style.