Ancient Greek Stater

Obverse of Metapontum Stater
Reverse of Metapontum Stater

Featured is a stater of Metapontum, an Ancient Greek City State in Magna Graeca (in Southern Italy). According to legend, the city was founded by Epeius, the soldier responsible for constructing the 'Trojan' Horse. In reality, the city was probably founded by colonists from Achaea in or around the late 8th century B.C. The city was a consistant rival and enemy of Tarantum (or Taras), who struggled with each other for dominance in southern Greece. This rivalry continued until around 212 B.C. when, having chosen the losing side in the Hannibalic War, the city was abandoned and left to fall into ruins by the inhabitants, desperate to avoid the vengeance of Rome.

On the coin itself, the head of Demeter (the Ancient Greek goddess of agriculture) is featured on the obverse, and on the reverse, a sheaf of wheat (as featured on most coins of Metapontum). The images on the coin probably reflect the importance of agriculture to the economy of Metapontum.

Price & Availability:-

Description	Grade	Price £	Price $	Availability
Silver Stater of Metapontum 6.82g**	VF	£450*	$Ask	Yes

*Price correct as of 2010. ** Slightly underweight for this issue, possibly due to silver shaving.

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £3.50 or
Fully Insured £9 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.

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