Diobol (Coin) Depicting an Ear of Grain

Greek; minted in Metapontum, Italy →

archaic (greek)coinancient art

Date

500-473 BCE

Medium

Silver

Dimensions

Diam.: 1.3 cm (9/16 in.)

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Location

Chicago, IL

Credit

Gift of Mrs. William Nelson Pelouze

The front (obverse) of this coin depicts an ear of barley. The back (reverse) depicts a bull with its head and horns facing downwards. A fillet, or headband, adorns its brow. Metapontum became wealthy through farming rather than trade. By illustrating the ear of grain on its coins, the city-state reminded its trading partners of its agricultural abundance.

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