Description

Dolphins have long been seen as protectors of humans, known for rescuing sailors and displaying gentle, intelligent behavior. In Greek mythology, dolphins were sacred—Odysseus’ son Telemachus was said to have been saved by them, leading Odysseus and his crew to worship dolphins as divine gifts. Seeing a dolphin was believed to signal favor from the sea god Poseidon.

This bond was immortalized on ancient silver coins from the Greek city of Taras (modern-day Taranto, Italy). One coin depicts Taras, son of Poseidon, being saved by dolphins after a shipwreck and shark attack—he later founded the city. Established by Spartans in 706 B.C., Taras grew into a major power, minting its own coins by 530 B.C. and competing with Rome for control of southern Italy. Taras’s dolphin emblem remains part of Taranto’s identity today. This coin was handset in a 14KT Gold penant.