Diobol (Coin) Depicting an Ear of Grain
500-473 BCE
Greek; minted in Metapontum, Italy
Metaponto
The front (obverse) of this coin depicts an ear of barley. The back (reverse) depicts a bull with its head and horns facing downwards. A fillet, or headband, adorns its brow. Metapontum became wealthy through farming rather than trade. By illustrating the ear of grain on its coins, the city-state reminded its trading partners of its agricultural abundance.
Silver