Greek 1930 - Demeter

This is one of the wonderful neo-classical coin designs that Moneta strives to present in the Gallery. This Greek Republic [ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ] issue and another (Poseidon, 20 Dr) in this period are re-creations of classical Greek designs. In this case the attribution of the ancient Greek coin is to a stater of Delphi (Phokis) from 336 B.C. These were issued by the Amphiktyonic council to help defray the cost of the new Temple of Apollo. Reverse shows a veiled goddess Demeter [ ΔΗΜΗΤΗΡ, under the Roman pantheon she is Ceres ] and the obverse is a type common to the Greek colony (in Italy) of Metapontum (& others in Italy) showing a ear of wheat. Italy used this motif in their neo-classical designs of the early 20th Century, see modern Italy, 5 Centesimi 1919 - 1937. Struck in London, this coin has two engravers, Percy Metcalfe for the reverse and Michael Axelos for the obverse (shown here reversed).
This is a one-year type and scarce this nice. A BU slabbed example sold for $700 in 2011.