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Ancient Greek Boy on the Dolphin Silver Nomos 344-235 BC Pendant in 14K Gold | Artifact #9470

The Legendary "Boy on the Dolphin" Ancient Greek Nomos - Riding the Waves on this Heirloom Pendant

Please Note: This is an authentic Ancient Greek Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.

The story of the Taras Greek Nomos – the legendary “Boy on the Dolphin” coin of ancient Greek fame starts not at the southern end of the Italian peninsula where it was minted, but in far-away Sparta, the mythic military state only conquered by an alliance of Greek states after centuries of military dominance.

Why? It was refugees being forced from Sparta who founded Taras. Legend tells us that these refuges sought counsel from the Oracle at Delphi before their departure from Greece. They were told to establish a colony at the southern end of the Italian Peninsula, and so they set sail, arriving at the first safe-harbor on the Mediterranean after leaving Greek lands.

But the voyage was not without incident…

Whether myth, fable or fact, it is recorded that before the leader of the Spartan colonists, Phalanthos, could reach land, his ship was wrecked. Too far from land to swim, Phalanthos would have been lost had it not been for Poseidon, the Greek sea god, who sent a dolphin to save him. Phalanthos rode the dolphin to safe harbor, saving the leader of the new colony.

Your Ancient Greek Nomos Pendant

  • Denomination: Nomos
  • Date: 344-235 BC
  • Mint: Tarentum (Taras) in Calabria (in Present Day Southern Italy)
  • Obverse (Front): A galloping horseman
  • Reverse (Back): Taras (see below) astride a dolphin swimming left
  • Bezel Metal: 14K Gold
  • Articulating Nautical Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2 mm
  • Pendant Size: 1” Across, 1 3/8” Tall - The diameter of a US quarter including the bezel (frame)

April's Notes: This coin is both amazingly detailed and a fascinating example of the coin-minter's art. With the regal dolphin, with Taras astride it is truly a piece of history you can wear. This coin has wonderful detail on both the face of Taras and the Dolphin. Ancient Greek coins are deeply struck - with thickness and depth that highlights detail, and this coin's details pop from the surface. (Please note: these coins are difficult to photograph and capture the true depth and detail... we often hear "wow, it looks so much better in hand!") 

(Please note: this information and much more will appear on your customized Certificate of Authenticity.)

We create a thick, luxury width bezel for these pieces, which support and enhance their beauty and create an heirloom treasure that can be worn for generations.

The story is reminiscent of the Greek myth of Taras, the son of Poseidon, who was saved from the same fate by a dolphin when his vessel shipwrecked. Thus, Phalanthos’ new colony was named Taras, in honor of Poseidon, his son Taras, and the beloved dolphins – the helpers of the gods.

The patron god of Taras became Apollo, and its symbol, the boy riding the dolpin. Astride the dolphin of Taras is a youth being born above the waves by his faithful companion. Throughout the centuries and millennia and into today, the boy riding a dolphin takes center stage on the city’s Coat of Arms.

Your Ancient Greek Coin Pendant comes with:

  1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
  2. A Detailed, Multi-Page Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by April Knecht
  3. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
  4. A four page Historic Brief on the history of Greek society and their coins researched and written by April Knecht
  5. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
  6. A Gift Box
  7. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card

Save 20% on a Chain!

Save 20% on a Chain!

with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)

with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)

We're Robert & April and we're here to help!

We're Robert & April and we're here to help!

Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.

Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.