‡ Italy, Lucania, Velia, stater, c. 305-290 BC, head of Athena right in crested Attic helmet decorated with wreath and wing; above right, Π; below chin, Φ, rev., ΥΕΛΗΤΩΝ, lion walking left with head facing; behind, palm tree; in field, Φ-Ι, 7.46g, die axis, 11.00 (Williams 490, O244/R345; Gulbenkian 114, same dies; SNG ANS 1383, same dies), light toning, good very fine and rare Provenance: ‘An Exceptional Private Collection’, Bank Leu 76, 27 October 1999, lot 16; European Connoisseur collection (formed before 2002).Note: The reverse is a faithful copy of that used on the extremely rare series of Siculo-Punic ‘Dido’ tetradrachms and would appear to indicate either a sympathy for, or short-lived allegiance with, the Carthaginians in the early 3rd century BC. Robinson suggests that this issue, along with that bearing a triskeles on the reverse (Gulbenkian 113), reflects the views of opposing parties siding with either Carthage or Syracuse during their ‘meddling in South Italian politics’.

Estimate: GBP 1000-1500