Description:

Classical World, Greek & Roman, Calabria, Tarentum, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A beautiful pair of wearable post earrings with ancient Greek and Roman silver AR coins set in gold. The modern formfitting setting is a 54% to 59% yellow gold (equivalent to 12K+ to 14K+) with moonstone cabochons. The coins are different mints, but both forward facing sides depict similar motifs of men riding dolphins which represent either the hero Taras or Phalanthos. The reverse faces of the coins are visible; one has a nude warrior riding right, holding a spear, and the other has a youth on horseback standing to the right and crowning the horse. Size of earrings: 1.2" L x 9" W (3 cm x 22.9 cm); coins: 0.84" Diameter (2.1 cm); gold quality: 54% to 59% (equivalent to 12K+ to 14K+); coin silver quality: 96% to 97%; total weight: 17.9 grams

The city of Taras, known to the Romans a Tarentum, was founded by Greek colonists from Sparta in the 8th century BCE before it came under Roman control during the Pyrrhic War (280-275 BCE). It was legend that the hero Taras (also known as Phalanthos), and the son of Poseidon, was rescued by a dolphin and deposited on the Tarentum shore.

Provenance: ex-DuMouchelles Auction, Detroit, Michigan, USA, October 19, 2023, part of lot 38; ex-private Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, USA collection

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#183222

  • Condition: Coins are ancient with toning and rubbing. Fine condition. Setting is modern and wearable.

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January 5, 2024 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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