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Research Coins: The Coin Shop

 
979725. Sold For $3750

LUCANIA, Velia. Circa 300-280 BC. AR Nomos (21mm, 7.44 g, 5h). Philistion group. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helm decorated with griffin; Δ above / Lion advancing right; above, pentagram flanked by Φ I; YEΛHTΩN in exergue. Williams 440d (O218/R310 – this coin cited); HN Italy 1306; SNG ANS 1371-2 (same dies). Near EF, toned.


From Collection DF. Ex Gorny & Mosch 125 (13 October 2003), lot 37; Münzen und Medaillen FPL 327 (September 1971), no. 11.

Velia, situated on the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy south of Poseidonia, was founded circa 540 BC by colonists from Phokaia in western Asia Minor who had fled their homeland following the Persian conquest. Its coinage commenced soon after the city’s foundation and its types (forepart of lion devouring prey / incuse square) and denomination (Phokaian silver drachm) reflect the Asian origin of the early citizenry of Velia. Later, in the 5th century, the weight standard of the Velian coinage was assimilated to that of the Achaean cities of Magna Graecia producing a nomos of about 8 grams. The type of a lion, or a lion attacking or feeding on its prey, remained popular at Velia throughout the two and a half centuries of its silver coinage, which ceased just prior to the city’s alliance with Rome, negotiated circa 275 BC.