LUCANIA. Metapontum. Circa 400-340 BC. Didrachm or nomos (Silver, plated, 19 mm, 5.78 g, 12 h), c. 400-380. Head of Nike to left, wearing a diadem ornamented with upright olive leaves. Rev. [MET] Barley ear of seven grains, with leaf to right. Gillet 157 ( this coin ). Cf. Noe 458 and SNG ANS 347 ( for prototype ). A most deceiving contemporary plated didrachm, imitating a rare and artistic type; carefully centered and most attractive. Good very fine.

From the Vineyard Collection, ex Künker 71, 12 March 2002, 34, Münzen & Medaillen FPL 366, April 1975, 1 and from the collection of Charles Gillet (photofile 157).

The wonderful style of this piece shows clearly why Gillet acquired it. Whether he knew it was fourrée when he bought it can't be determined: the low weight should have raised an eyebrow, and a careful examination of the edge reveals a tiny pit with traces of a green core.