Greek 1930 - Demeter

This is one of the wonderful neo-classical coin designs that Moneta strives to present in the Gallery. This Greek Republic issue and another (Poseidon, 20 Dr) in this period are re-creations of classical Greek designs. In this case exact attribution to the ancient counterpart is unknown (info sought!). Obverse shows a veiled goddess Demeter and the reverse is a type common to the Greek colony (in Italy) of Metapontum (& others in Italy) showing a ear of wheat [under the Roman pantheon she is Ceres]. Italy used this motif in their neo-classical designs of the early 20 th Century. This is a one-year type and scarce this nice. A BU slabbed example sold for $700 in 2011.