Please Note: This is an authentic Ancient Greek Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.
SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW FOR PENDANT SIZE
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.
April's Notes:This coin is both amazingly detailed and a fascinating example of the coin-minter's art. With the regal dolphin, and Taras astride it is truly a piece of history you can wear. This coin has wonderful detail on both the dolphin from nose to tail.
Best of all, it is what we call "zero die axis." When these were struck, the Ancient Greeks didn't care if the top of one side of the coin was also the top on the other side - what we call "Medallic Orientation." This coin is one of the rarest - top grade and you can wear it either side out.
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!")
As always, 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.
(Please note: this information and much more will appear on your customized Certificate of Authenticity.)
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.
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.)
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.
