★ A beautiful didrachm from Velia ★

LUCANIA. Velia. Circa 300-280 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 22 mm, 7.62 g, 2 h). Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a griffin springing to left on the bowl; on neck guard, Φ; behind neck guard, AP. Rev. YEΛHTΩN Lion walking to right; above, filleted kerykeion to right. HN Italy 1316. SNG Lockett 570 ( same dies ). Williams 532 (O267/R372). Beautifully toned and perfectly centered, with a wonderful reverse. Light die wear on the obverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

From an old Swiss collection started in the 19th century.