Metapontum. Nomos circa 340-330, AR 7.89 g. Head of Leucippus r., wearing Corinthian helmet; on neck-guard, S and below neck truncation, EΠI. Rev. META Ear of barley, with stalk l., upon which smaller ear of barley. Leaf to r. BMC photo file cabinet 83 PJD 2129, 21. Johnston Forgeries 9 (these dies).
Of the highest rarity, apparently only the third specimen known. Toned,
minor areas of weakness, otherwise about extremely fine

Ex NAC sale 59, 2011, 499
This coin deserves a brief note. A few years ago, whilst in the process of writing a catalogue, the authors came across a coin, which was illustrated in Johnston’s work on Metapontum as a forgery. Although the authors were convinced that the piece was genuine, they decided not to include it in the auction to avoid entering into long debates surrounding its authenticity. This decision enraged my father, who, with his usual resolution, maintained that the coin was undoubtedly genuine and that Johnston’s choice to list it in the forgery section of her book was a huge mistake. Despite my father’s insistence, the authors kept to their decision not to insert it in the sale. Subsequently we were consigned a small collection of coins of Magna Graecia and Sicily among which was the specimen offered here which is unquestionably authentic. Therefore despite Johnston the authenticity of this issue can definitely be confirmed.