Description: OFFERED:.. Calabria, Taras – AR Didrachm – NGC AU 4/5 2/5 – 7.9g 20mm - DOLPHIN - Youth on a horse, crowning its head. “SA” to left, “FI?I/APXOS” belowTaras riding a dolphin left and holding a bunch of grapes. "TAPAS" to right, "AGA' " below - Vlasto 673 The ancient city of Tarentum (Taras in ancient Greek) has the distinction of being the only city outside of Sparta founded and colonized by the Spartans. The colony was founded in 706 BC by Phalanthos, the leader of the Partheniae who were composed of non-traditional families. They were unmarried Spartan women and free men of non-Spartan origin. There is much speculation about the Parthenian population and their origin; specifically whether they were men opposed to fighting in the Messenian War (The war between the Messenians and the Spartans from 743-724 BC). Another theory is that Messenian War had lasted so long and the soldier population had so dwindled that they were allowed to return to Sparta to procreate with young Spartan women. The last theory was that the Parthenians were bastard children of Spartan women and their slaves forced to settle on Taras. The coinage of Tarentum is an interesting departure from the supposed origin of its founding. Warriors and heroes are found on the coinage with scenes that glamorize the Greek city-state. Many of the coins of Tarentum feature a boy or man on a dolphin. This famous myth tells of Taras, the son of Poseidon, being saved by a dolphin from a shipwreck. The dolphin safely delivers Taras to land which was made the city of Taras (Tarentum). This depiction is found throughout the vast coinage of Tarentum. The reverse routinely shows variations of men on horses which symbolizes the equestrian events that often took place in Taras. Coin is in wonderful state of preservation for this issue USA SHIPPING is FREE:FREE SHIPPING - 1st CLASS and FULLY INSURED for Domestically Shipped CoinsINTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:1) IF BEING HANDLED THROUGH eBay's GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM YOU WILL BE CHARGED BY EBAY 2) IF eBay's GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM - DOES NOT - HANDLE THE SHIPPING, INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING WILL BE VIA USPS @ $37.50.Do you know the difference between NGC - Economy Grading and NGC "FULL SERVICE" Grading?Economy grading is cheaper because NGC, with economy grading at cheaper fee, does not grade the coins Strike or Surface Qualities.Also, under economy grading, NGC does not identify any of the coins damages (scratches, flan flaws, clipping, dents, bent, etc.).Full Service grading costs a lot more, but I know it is definitely worth the extra money!Full grading is the ONLY NGC grading that fully discloses the coins TRUE quality AND the ONLY service we use from NGC.Full grading gives the buyer FULL disclosure about the coin BEFORE the buyer buys the coin and finds out about these flaws later. And do you know what? That is the way it ought to be done!We specialize in High Grade and Scarce ancient coins that possess extraordinary Eye Appeal. And ONLY coins that are Fully Disclosed NGC Graded and Encapsulated If you are looking for the finest examples for your collection ... you're at the right place. *************************************************************************************************************OPTIONAL PAYMENT PLAN - EXCLUSIVE PREMIUM ITEM - LAY-A-WAY PLAN OFFER LAY-A-WAY: 15% down .. Balance anytime within 6 months. NOTE .. If you decide to cancel the Lay-A-Way .. ALL your monies will be refunded ? EXCEPT the 15% .. that amount would have already been PAID to EBay. HOW MY LAY-A-WAY PLAN WORKS .. You purchase the item. I mark the item PAID IN FULL on eBay .. That way eBay gets their fees paid NOW. I then send you an invoice for the 15% .. You ONLY pay the 15% invoice I send. Then, you let me know when to send a request for additional funds FOR ANY AMOUNT YOU CHOOSE. I then send you a request via PayPal for the amount you tell me. I hold the item until paid in full. Pretty Simple. ************************************************************************************************************* So, WHY Do I ONLY Sell NGC FULLY Certified/Graded Coins? Simply because - YOU DO NOT KNOW ME ~ ALL Coins are NGC 3rd party Authenticated; Graded; Certified; Dated; and Encapsulated.Bottom-line: After I scour the National and International Sellers and Auction Houses for the finest coins available. Then I spend the time and money sending EVERY COIN to NGC ... That is the way it ought be done for YOUR protection!YOU NEED TO BE PROTECTED! ... WHY? Because, as you may well know - eBay is simply littered with an Extremely High Percentage (Estimates as High as 50+%) of FAKE; COPIED; and, COUNTERFEIT ANCIENT COINS.All Coins for Sale are guaranteed 100% genuine; no fake Chinese imports here! The images we provide in our listings are of the actual item you will receive; no "bait and switch". We are sure you will be pleased, as in most cases, the item is actuality nicer than the photos. In fact, for example, our photos of coins often do not portray them in their true beauty, as mint luster and colorful toning are not captured well. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed, backed by our "no hassle" 14 day return privilege. NOTE - re: SALES TAX - Virginia Only - Buyers that their mailing address is IN VIRGINIA will be required to pay Virginia Sales Tax. My State Permit number is: 10-565507255F-001PLEASE TAKE NOTE: WE DO NOT SHIP ANYWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA."Although we have yet to receive our ancient coin, we did not want to pass up to opportunity to comment and highly recommend this FIRST CLASS COIN EXPERT......lest we forget. Can't remember how many years we have been on Ebay, we are most grateful to Fred for his expertise and honesty and for one of our all time favorite buying experiences. We are not coin collectors BUT with the excellence of dealers such as Fred and his exquisite eye for quality, hands down he would be our 'go to.' 😊" 12/20/2023
Price: 650 USD
Location: Esmont, Virginia
End Time: 2024-11-14T16:46:23.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy
Certification Number: 6158324-003
Certification: NGC
Date: 302 - 281 BC
Grade: AU 58
Year: 302 BC
Composition: Silver
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Provenance: AEGEAN & NGC ANCIENTS
Denomination: Didrachm
Era: Ancient