Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVI - Session 1 . 18
Greek
Category
LUCANIA, Metapontion. Circa 540-510 BC. AR Nomos (28.5mm, 6.89 g, 12h). Ear of barley with seven grains; 7eTå down left field, grasshopper upward to right / Incuse ear of barley with seven grains; outline of dolphin upward to left. Noe Class V, 100 (same dies); HN Italy 1472; SNG ANS 206 (same dies); Basel 130 (same dies); Gillet 132 (this coin); Kraay & Hirmer 229 (same dies). Toned, die breaks on reverse (diagnostic for die). Near EF. Ex Antiquarium Group (CNG inventory 494707, August 2020); Gasvoda Collection (Triton XXII, 9 September 2019) lot 18; Numismatica Ars Classica 92 (23 May 2016), lot 88; A. D. Moretti Collection; Numismatica Ars Classica 18 (29 March 2000), lot 22; Numismatica Ars Classica 9 (16 April 1996), lot 57; Leu 42 (12 May 1987), lot 46; Charles Gillet Collection.One of the most interesting varieties of Metapontion's incuse coinage are the issues which include the locust (or grasshopper) design detail, as here. There are a number of variations. Here the insect paired with a dolphin in outline on the reverse. The locust would have been a serious threat to the agricultural bounty of Metapontion, and it has been speculated its appearance here marks an outbreak of locusts that was ended by the intervention of Apollo, who is represented by the dolphin.
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