LUCANIA. Velia. Circa 300-280 BC. Didrachm (Silver, 21.5 mm, 7.33 g, 1 h). Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned with a griffin; above vizor, Δ; before Athena's throat (here barely visible), Φ. Rev. ΥEΛHTΩN Lion walking to right; above, pentagram between Φ - Ι. HN III 1306. SNG ANS 1367. SNG Copenhagen 1580. SNG Lockett 566. Williams 424 (O.210/R.300). Well-struck, nicely centered and attractively toned. Nearly extremely fine.

Ex G. Hirsch Nachf. 204, 5 May 1999, 98.

The contrast between the rushing griffin on Athena's helmet and the stately way the lion is walking on the coin's reverse is notable.