Greek, Lucania, Metapontion, silver nomos c. 330s BC, Demeter/Ear of barley, Noe 520

This coin is struck from one of the finest pairs of dies used in the coinage of Metapontion; because another type of the same period uses the control mark of a Macedonian helmet (Noe 549) these issues are sometimes associated with Alexander I Molossus of Epirus' presence in southern Italy between 334-331 BC, and may have been struck under him. The high relief obverse die broke in use, and coins such as this piece with an early die state are particularly desirable 

VF+, somewhat rough surfaces, early obverse die state, toned. Extremely rare issue of fine style, perhaps less than five examples in private hands.