Greek coins -Tarentum nude warrior 272 BC (AP2620)

CALABRIA. Tarentum. Circa 272-240 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 18 mm, 6.52 g), Herakletos, magistrate. Nude rider on horse walking to right, holding spear in his right hand and shield in his left; below, ՒHPAK/ΛHTOΣ. Rev. [T-APAΣ] Youthful oikist, nude, riding dolphin to left, holding flower in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left; to right, monogram of EΠ and thymiaterion. HN Italy 1037. Vlasto 891. Extremely fine, dark toning.

The obverse of this nomos depicts an example of the mercenary cavalrymen for which Taras became famous in the Hellenistic period. The Tarentine cavalryman is believed to have been the first mounted warrior of the Greek world to carry a shield. This novelty made him popular in the armies of Hellenistic kings and led to the training of cavalrymen in the Tarentine style.