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LUCANIA, Velia. Circa 510-465 BC. AR Drachm (14mm, 3.79 g). Forepart of lion right, devouring leg of stag / Quadripartite incuse square. Williams Period I, Section 3, 43a (O31/R25) = Ward 80 (this coin, illustrated in both); HN Italy 1259. Old cabinet tone with some iridescence, some minor scratches on reverse, edge marks. Good VF. Great pedigree.
Ex Tradart (16 November 1995), lot 13; Leu 48 (10 May 1989), lot 24; Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection (Part II, Sotheby’s Zurich, 4 April 1973), lot 60; John Ward Collection (publ. 1901, donated to the Met by J. P. Morgan in 1905).
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 Achaian 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.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 126 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 28-29 May 2024. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 28 May at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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