Collection History: Uncertain
Lucania, Metapontum, Southern Italy.
Noe’s Metapontum coin classes each contain a number of similar coins with slight variations, but from the same period; he cataloged every obverse and reverse die paring that he could find; this is typical for die studies, and it involves an immense amount of research. Every hand-engraved coin die has its identifying characteristics; the two dies paired together make a unique type and are given a number in his catalog with sub-listings for multiple specimens. This coin matches Noe catalog number 164 as both it and the example have an obverse barley ear with six grains, an additional smaller top grain, a four letter legend ΜΕΤΑ with the letter A having a rounded top and crossbar slanting downward and to the right, similar diameters, 24.8 vs 24 mm , and a similar border. Noe does not list a weight. Similarly the reverse matches as to the number of grains, lack of inscription, and border design. John Nebel 2013.