Lucania. Metapontion, Punic occupation. Circa 215-207 BC. Quarter Shekel (Silver, 15.00 mm, 2.10 g). Head of Demeter right, wearing wreath of grain ears. Rev. META, two ears of grain each with leaf to right; on the outermost leaf, crossed torch. HN Italy 1636. Robinson, "Coinage of the Second Punic War", p. 50.6 and pl. VI.9. HGC 1, 1093. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine.

From a Swiss collection.

It was during the Punic occupation of Metapontion that this coin was struck, and like other Punic issues minted at this time in southern Italy, the fabric and execution of strike are neat and precise with thin flans and competent engraving. The coin retains the portrait of Demeter on the obverse (in contrast to the half shekels struck at the same time, which bear a head of Athena), while on the reverse the traditional city emblem of the grain ear is augmented to a pair.