Colin Pitchfork Collection of Velia

CNG 84, Lot: 68. Estimate $300. Sold for $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LUCANIA, Velia. Circa 510-465 BC. AR Drachm (13mm, 3.73 g). Forepart of lion right, devouring leg of stag / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Williams 50-67 (unlisted dies); HN Italy 1259. VF, toned, slightly granular surfaces.

From the Colin E. Pitchfork Collection.

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 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.