Lucania. Velia. Circa 535-465 BC. Drachm (Silver, 13.05 mm, 3.76 g). Forepart of a lion right, devouring limb of prey held in forepaw. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. HN Italy 1259. Cf. Williams Velia, Period I. Cf. Mangieri Velia, Period I, pl. I. Cf. SNG ANS 1202-1206. Cf. SNG Delepierre 399. Cf. Dewing 450-451. Cf. HGC 1, 1327. Old cabinet tone. Some deposits. Very Fine. Rare.
Ex Italo Vecchi 1, 1 February 1996, lot 129.
Velia was founded around 540 BC by settlers from Phocaea, in western Asia Minor, who fled their homeland following the Persian conquest. Its coinage began soon after the founding of the city, and its types (lion-devouring prey front/incuse square) and denomination (Fokaian silver drachm) reflect the Asian origin of Velia's early citizens.