Calabria, Tarentum, Silver Nomos, 240-228 BC, Olympis magistrate

Magna Graecia, Calabria, Tarentum, Silver Nomos, 240-228 BC, Olympis magistrate, warrior on horseback right, brandishing spear and holding reins; wreath behind, OΛYMΠIΣ below, rev. Taras astride dolphin left, holding kantharos and cornucopiae; tripod to right, 6.60g, 4h (Vlasto-942; HN Italy-1055; SNG ANS-1249; SNG Copenhagen-942; HGC 1-901). Nice rainbow toning, about extremely fine.

This silver nomos was minted at Tarentum (Taras) in Magna Graecia, southern Italy, between approximately 240 and 228 BC. Tarentum was one of the most important and wealthy Greek cities in southern Italy. Founded by Spartan colonists in the late eighth century BC, the city developed into a major centre of Greek culture, trade and naval power. Its position on the Gulf of Tarentum gave it access to important Mediterranean trade routes and helped make it prosperous. By the third century BC, however, Tarentum was increasingly caught between the Greek cities of southern Italy and the expanding power of Rome. The city famously supported Pyrrhus of Epirus during his war against Rome between 280 and 275 BC. After Pyrrhus withdrew, Tarentum was eventually defeated and captured by the Romans in 272 BC. Despite losing its political independence, the city continued to produce distinctive Greek-style coinage. The nomos dates from this period of Roman influence. Its imagery reflects Tarentum's strong Greek identity, while the inscription ΟΛΥΜΠΙΣ (Olympis) identifies the magistrate responsible for the coin issue. Magistrates' names on Greek coins demonstrate the civic nature of coin production and provide evidence for the officials involved in governing the city. This coin therefore represents Tarentum's continued Greek traditions during a period when Roman power was becoming dominant in southern Italy.

The obverse legend OΛYMΠIΣ translates to "Olympis" who was the magistrate responsible for the issue of the coin.