LUCANIA. Metapontion. Circa 400-340 BC. Nomos (Silver, 21 mm, 7.64 g, 4 h). Laureate head of Apollo (?) to right; on neck truncation, ΑΠΟΛ; below, Σ. Rev. META Barley ear with leaf to right. HN Italy 1534. Jameson 300 (same dies). Noe 461. SNG ANS 349 (same dies). SNG Ashmolean 708 (same dies). Rare. A lovely and unusually well preserved example with beautiful iridescent toning and a particularly fine head of Apollo (?). Faint scratches and with some minor roughness on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.




The meaning of the tiny inscription ΑΠΟΛ on the neck truncation of the obverse of this rare coin, with its impressive pedigree, remains disputed. Some scholars interpret it as a reference to the god, suggesting that the engraver sought to distinguish it from the usual depiction of Demeter, which typically appears on the coins of Metapontum, while others believe it to be the artist’s own signature. It is possible that both interpretations are correct, as the youthful, laureate head likely represents Apollo. However, the discreet placement of the name on the neck truncation strongly suggests a personal connection with the artist. If the engraver’s intention had merely been to identify the god by name, he could have placed the inscription in a more prominent location. Thus, it is conceivable that the engraver, named Apoll..., referenced himself in two ways: first, through the hidden signature ΑΠΟΛ, and second, by depicting not Demeter, the principal deity of Metapontum, but his patron god, Apollo.