Lucania. Metapontion, Time of Alexander the Molossian. Circa 340-330 BC. Third Stater (Gold, 13.50 mm, 2.62 g). Head of Hera right. Rev. METAΠON, ear of grain with leaf to right, on which is a dove. Johnston G1. HN Italy 1578. SNG ANS 395. SNG Lockett 406. Dewing 377. Gillet 203. HGC 1, 1022. (all from the same dies). Good Very Fine. 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.