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Lansky Auction 3 5 Jan 2021
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Lucania. Metapontum. 340-330 BC. AR Nomos (7.86g, 9h). Johnston B2.24; Tradart 2.17 (this coin). Lightly toned. Good very fine. From a private collection; former L.D.J. collection; former H.A. collection, Tradart 1991 (1) lot 16
The head of Leukippos is a common obverse type in Metapontum from the mid-fourth century. According to the foundation legend, he was sent by the Achaeans at the request of Sybaris to refound the city after its destruction by the Samnites. The resettlement of the city was undertaken explicitly to prevent its territory from falling into the hands of Taras, with which the Sybarites were not on friendly terms. The figure of Leukippos thus does not only represent the founder of Metapontum, making it an obvious iconographic choice, but is also an anti-Tarentine symbol.
The head of Leukippos is a common obverse type in Metapontum from the mid-fourth century. According to the foundation legend, he was sent by the Achaeans at the request of Sybaris to refound the city after its destruction by the Samnites. The resettlement of the city was undertaken explicitly to prevent its territory from falling into the hands of Taras, with which the Sybarites were not on friendly terms. The figure of Leukippos thus does not only represent the founder of Metapontum, making it an obvious iconographic choice, but is also an anti-Tarentine symbol.