The Prospero Collection of Ancient Greek Coins. ITALY. Lucania, Metapontum (c.400-340 B.C.), Silver Stater, 7.55g,. Head of Demeter facing to right, wearing an earring. Rev. META , ear of barley, a leaf on right (Noe 506 (these dies); SNG ANS 380 (these dies); HN Italy 1530). Excellent style, toned, very fine. US$ 800 Purchased from Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1989 This issue is of very pretty style and it is believed that it derives from the influence of the Arethusa heads produced at Syracuse by the artist Euainetos (see lots 171 and 181). Metapontum was another of the wealthy Greek colonies in Magna Graecia. Throughout the extensive series of staters that Metapontum issued, the ear of barley, to which the city-state owed its wealth, features prominently. Perhaps of most interest however, is the head of Demeter, the goddess of corn, which usually appears on the obverse of the staters. The head of Demeter is consistently represented as a young woman, often engraved in exquisite beauty to a very high degree of artistry. Considering the range of different styles in which Demeter manifests herself, it is tempting to think that the artists responsible might have taken their inspiration from real life. The Prospero Collection includes a very attractive and select group of staters from Metapontum.
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