A vivid piece of Magna Graecia. A victorious jockey crowning himself on one side, and Taras, son of Poseidon, riding his dolphin on the other. This silver nomos captures athletic pride, maritime identity, and the final years of Greek independence in southern Italy. Now set in a custom 18k gold bezel.
The History
• Tarentum, modern Taranto, was the leading Greek city in southern Italy. It was known for its horse culture, beautiful coinage, and strong naval presence.
• The rider crowning himself reflects local athletic victories and the prestige athletes brought to the city. Images of horsemen were among Tarentum’s most recognizable symbols.
• The reverse shows Taras, the heroic founder of the city and the son of Poseidon, riding the dolphin that rescued him in myth. The city used this image as its civic emblem, signaling divine favor and maritime strength.
• Taras holds an aphlaston, which is the curved ornament from the stern of a warship, symbolizing naval power. The distaff he carries is rare on Tarentine coinage and evokes themes of fate, craftsmanship, and civic industry.
• This nomos was struck in the final phase of Tarentum’s independence. Within a generation, the city would fall under Roman control. The coin represents the last flourishing of the Greek West before Rome dominated the region.
What's Included
• The finished pendant featuring the authentic ancient coin in its custom 18k gold bezel
• A high quality storage pouch
• A printed certificate of authenticity
• A care guide for ancient coin jewelry
• Gift ready packaging
Coin Details
• Italy, Calabria, Tarentum
• Silver Nomos, c. 280 to 272 BC
• Obverse: Jockey on horseback right, crowning himself. Ι Ω in field. IAΛO and Ionic capital below the horse
• Reverse: TARAΣ. Taras on dolphin left, holding aphlaston and distaff. ANΘ in field
• Set in a custom 18k gold bezel
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country - you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us - we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
