© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Litra 500 BC - 480 BC
| Silver | 0.81 g | - |
| Issuer | Tarentum (Calabria) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 500 BC - 480 BC |
| Value | Litra (⅕) |
| Currency | Campanian (Italic-Achaean) drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.81 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#383704 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Dolphin right, scallop shell below.
Script: Greek (retrograde)
Lettering: TARAZ
Interesting fact
The Litra coin was used as a form of currency in the ancient Greek city of Tarentum, located in what is now Calabria, Italy. The coin features an image of a mythical creature called a "Taras," which is a dolphin-like creature with a human head and torso. The Taras was said to have been founded by the city's legendary founder, Taras, who was believed to have been born from the sea. The image of the Taras on the coin symbolized the city's connection to the sea and its maritime heritage.
