★ A very rare didrachm or nomos from Velia from the collection of Prof. S. Pozzi ★

LUCANIA. Velia. Circa 440/35-400 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 20 mm, 7.75 g, 2 h). Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned with griffin standing right on the bowl and palmette on the neck guard; above visor, [A]; behind neck guard, Φ. Rev. [ΥEΛHTΩN] Lion attacking stag to right, biting him in the neck. Boston MFA 156 ( same dies ). HN Italy 1270. Pozzi 675 ( this coin ). SNG ANS 1252 ( same dies ). SNG Ashmolean 1122 ( same dies ). Williams 153s ( this coin, O102/R119). Very rare. Beautifully toned and of wonderful style. The reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, good very fine.

Ex Leu 83, 6 May 2002, 29 and from the collection of Prof. S. Pozzi, Naville I, 4 April 1921, 246 (acquired by Dr. J. Hirsch for 600 CHF).