Summary
A copper coin (Ae.17) from the town of Tarentum (Taras) in Italy, circa 250 BC
Mint: Tarentum
Obverse Description
Laureate head of Apollo facing right
Reverse Description
Arion swimming to right holding on to dolphin; above, TA; below the end of the legend [PA]NTAINO[N] (?) in Greek
Edge Description
Plain
Significance
The reverse depicts the story of Arion who, after winning a musical competition in Sicily and while returning home via Tarentum, was captured by sailors who planned to kill him and steal the rich prizes he carried. He asked for permission to sing a last song and his song attracted dolphins to the ship. At the end of the song, Arion threw himself into the sea rather than be killed and one of the dolphins carried him to safety.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
circa 300 BC
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Issued By
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Previous Collection
Eugene von Guerard, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pre 1880
Listed in vol.1 p. 8a (a loose page inserted in catalogue) of his catalogue. Acquired from "O.C." -
Person Depicted
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Material
Copper
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
17 mm (Outside Diameter), 3.561 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Catalogue] Pullin, Ruth. 2011. Nature Revealed: Eugene von Guerard.
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Keywords
