Greece (Spartans in Taras, Calabria, Italy): ca. 302-281 BC silver drachm

Obverse: Head of Athena right, wearing helmet with figure of the monster Scylla hurling a stone.
Reverse: Owl standing right, head facing, TAP left, ZOP (magistrate’s name) over olive branch.
Issuer: Spartan colony of Taras in Calabria.
Specifications: Silver, 16.9 mm maximum diameter, weight 3.233 g, die axis 180°.
Grade: NGC XF; Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, cert.# 4280918-003. Purchased raw.
Reference: Vlasto 1049; SNG ANS 1303; HN Italy 975; BMC Italy p. 201, 309; SGCV I 367.*
Provenance: Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, USA, 28 June 2017.* Prior provenance to Art of Money, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Notes: This is an exceptional example of the artistry on the coinage of the Spartan colony in Taras, Calabria, situated at the southern tip of Italy. The city was later known to the Romans as Tarentum. The modern Italian city is called Taranto.
Comments: This is one of my favorite coins. I love that startled-looking little owl.

Fuente : https://www.cointalk.com/threads/greece-...

Colección : Ancient & Medieval Coins (to 1600 AD)