LUCANIA. Metapontum. Circa 540-510 BC. Nomos (Silver, 28.5 mm, 8.03 g, 12 h). ΜΕΤ Ear of barley with eight grains; ethnic in the left field; border of dots. Rev. ΜΕΤ Ear of barley with eight grains, all incuse; ethnic, in relief, in the right field; incuse rayed border. AMB 127 ( this coin ). HN III 1459. Jameson 1862 ( same dies ). Noe 4. Nicely toned and attractive. One of the earliest coins struck by Metapontum. Good very fine.

From the collection of A. Moretti, Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998, 127.

Metapontum derived its wealth and prosperity from its abundant grain crops; thus, it is understandable that the grain ear became the city's symbol.