The coinage of Tarentum with the horseman on the obverse and boy/dolphin imagery on the reverse is amongst the most beloved from the Greek series. The myth of the founding of Tarentum is characterized by the boy being rescued by the dolphin from drowning and returned safely to land which would become Tarentum (modern day Taranto in Puglia, Italy). Taranto is located on the Ionian sea and it is known as the "city of two seas" as it is surrounded by the bays of Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. The horse/rider imagery is not exclusive to the coinage of Tarentum. Universally in the Greek world, horse/rider imagery alludes to cavalry and equestrian culture which was strong in the Mediterranean world. The imagery can also represent the wealth and power of the city or even the connection to the athletic competitions such as horse racing which were popular across Greek culture.

This coin was purchased by the former owner from the Spink Numismatic Circular during the second World War. Prior to that the coin was in the collection of the archaeologist/numismatist Arthur J. Evans.