Italy, Calabria, Town of Taras, AR Didrachme

Italy, Calabria, City of Taras, AR Didrachm (380-345 BC)

Obv.: naked rider, horse leaps forward
Rev.: Taras on dolphin l., Greek script ΤΑΡΑΣ below.

Historical 

Taras, a figure from Greek mythology and a son of Poseidon and the nymph Satyria.

According to legend, he was the founder of the Greek settlement of Taras (Tarentum, now Taranto), a later leading power of Magna Graecia. A dolphin appeared to Taras during a sacrifice to Poseidon, which he interpreted as a good omen and as encouragement to found a city.

Consequently, on the coin of the ancient city of Taras, the son of Poseidon is depicted riding a dolphin. This image can still be found today on the coat of arms of the city of Taranto.