ITALY. Calabria. Tarentum. AV Stater (8.56 gms), ca. 276-272 B.C. NGC MS, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style. Fischer-Bossert-G24 (V20/R24); Vlasto-23 (same dies); Jameson-158 (same dies); SNG ANS-1035; HN Italy-984. Obverse: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin; Reverse: Nude male youth (Taras or Phalanthos?), holding reins and trident, driving biga right; NIKAP above, TAPANTINΩN below. A VERY RARE type, these gold issues are encountered much more infrequently than their silver counterparts. While the "dolphin rider" nomoi are seemingly ubiquitous in the marketplace, these staters--with their Alexander "the Great"-style Herakles on the obverse</em>--are anything but. In particular, the present specimen exhibits nothing in the way of handling and retains full mint luster, all while offering a flan of sound metal and a sharp strike; just a few stray surface marks prevent a maxed-out designation. The "fine style" aspect, appropriate and deserved, simply augments its desirability that much more. Worthy of the finest gold or ancient Greek cabinets and destined to deliver satisfaction to its new home.
