LUCANIA. Metapontum. Time of Alexander the Molossian, circa 334-330 BC. Tetrobol or Third Stater (Gold, 13.40 mm, 2.61 g), Achaian standard. Head of Hera to right, wearing stephane, pendant earring and necklace; her hair partially covered by stephane and falling down on her shoulders in curly locks. Rev. METAΠON Barley ear with six grains and leaf to right; above leaf, bird standing right with wings folded. Johnston G1. HN Italy 1578. HGC 1, 1022. SNG ANS 395. SNG Lockett 406. Dewing Coll. 377. Gillet Coll. 203. Very Fine and very rare. As with many of the cities of Magna Graecia, the gold issues of Metapontum are typically associated with periods of abnormal military expenditure. The similarity of the head of Hera here to that on the issues of Tarentum during the time of Alexander the Molossian, and the exceptional appearance of Hera on an issue of Metapontum, suggest that this issue was struck when the city was allied with the Epirote king. From a Swiss collection formed before 2005.