


© Trustees of the British Museum
Diobol 280 BC - 228 BC
Silver | 1 g |
Issuer | Tarentum (Calabria) |
---|---|
Type | Standard circulation coin |
Years | 280 BC - 228 BC |
Value | Diobol (⅓) |
Currency | Campanian (Italic-Achaean) drachm |
Composition | Silver |
Weight | 1 g |
Shape | Round (irregular) |
Technique | Hammered |
Demonetized | Yes |
Updated | 2024-10-09 |
Numista | N#389532 |
---|---|
Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Two horse heads back to back.
Script: Greek
Lettering: N
Interesting fact
The Diobol coin was used as a form of currency in the ancient Greek city of Tarentum, which is now located in Calabria, Italy. The coin features an image of a mythical creature called a "Taras," which is a dolphin-riding boy, on one side, and an inscription of the city's name on the other. The use of this coin as currency in Tarentum dates back to the 4th century BC, making it one of the oldest known coins in the world.