Ancient Greek - AR Stater - Demeter (Goddess of Fertility)

Denomination:  AR Stater                                                                      

Date:  Circa 306-300 BCE    

Weight:7.69 gm                                                                                    

Mint: Metapontion

Mount: 14K gold                                                                                      

Grade: Very Fine

Description: Luciana, Metapontion. Obverse: Head of Demeter right, wearing wreath of barley ears and leaves. Reverse: Barley ear with leaf to the right. M[AX] below. Toned, light roughness.

History: As the goddess of grain and fertility, Demeter played an important – indeed essential – role in ancient Greek society. The Greeks, like most ancient cultures, relied upon agriculture for their sustenance. As the Patron deity of agriculture, Demeter was accordingly worshipped with festivals and other honors. Likewise, her association with grain also translated into a close relationship with human fertility, as this was another crucial part in our continuing survival. There are, consequently, many myths dealing with Demeter in her capacity as a fertility goddess.