{"product_id":"greek-italy-tarentum-calabria-ar-diobol-circa-325-280-bc","title":"Greek Italy, Tarentum (Calabria)\nAR Diobol, circa 325–280 BC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreek Italy, Tarentum (Calabria)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAR Diobol, circa 325–280 BC\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: 1.0 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference: Vlasto 1238 \/ HN Italy 914\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis silver diobol was struck in the important Greek city of Tarentum (modern Taranto, southern Italy) during the late Classical to early Hellenistic period, a time when the city flourished as one of Magna Graecia’s wealthiest and most artistically sophisticated mints.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe obverse features the head of Athena facing left, wearing a crested Attic helmet adorned with the monster Skylla, a distinctive and dramatic symbol reflecting Tarentine maritime identity and mythological tradition. Athena’s helmeted portrait conveys both wisdom and martial protection, rendered in bold archaic style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse depicts Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean Lion, one of the most famous of the Twelve Labors. The hero’s muscular form and the dynamic struggle with the beast symbolize strength, endurance, and divine favor. A club appears in the outer left field, identifying Herakles and reinforcing the heroic theme.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStruck in fine silver, this compact denomination was used in everyday commerce while still displaying masterful artistry and mythological narrative. The surfaces show honest circulation wear consistent with age, with strong central detail and attractive ancient toning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn evocative and historically rich example of South Italian Greek coinage, combining mythology, fine engraving, and the cultural legacy of Magna Graecia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEx. Small Town Coins, Collin Koch, NY.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52509075996969,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/IMG-4146.jpg?v=1769451971","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/es\/products\/greek-italy-tarentum-calabria-ar-diobol-circa-325-280-bc","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}