★ High Classical Art ★

Greek Italy. Southern Lucania, Metapontum. AR Stater, c. 340-330 BC. Signed by engraver Kal-. Obv. Head of young Dionysos left, facing three-quarter left, wearing ivy wreath; KAΛ (signature) to lower right. Rev. META. Barley ear with leaf to left; coiled serpent right above leaf, ΦIΛOΞ downward below. HN Italy 1559; Johnston Class A, 6.6 corr. (head of Apollo) = Gulbenkian 70 = Jameson 290 (all from same dies). AR. 7.55 g. 21 mm. RRRR. Extremely rare, one of the best and most complete specimen appeared on market. Perfectly centred, well struck and nicely toned. About EF. Featuring an extraordinary youthful portrait of Dionysos, rarely depicted facing and beardless. Signed by the skilled engraver Kαl, this obverse is one of the finest of all Metapontine coinage.