Struck over two thousand years ago in the ancient coastal city of Velia, this silver nomos carries the enduring spirit of a people who fled conquest to forge a new home. Founded around 540 B.C.E. by Greek refugees from Phokaia, Velia thrived in southern Italy, resisting local incursions and later allying with Rome during its rise to dominance. This coin hails from the city’s final decades of independence—its artistry a testament to Velia’s cultural resilience.
On the obverse, the helmeted head of Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, gazes left, her crested helm adorned with a griffin—symbol of strength and divine protection. A "phi" graces the neck guard, while the monogram "AP" floats behind her, possibly denoting a magistrate or issuing authority.
The reverse presents a lion mid-stride, muscles tense in eternal motion, with a caduceus floating above—an emblem of diplomacy and commerce. Below, the name YELHTON (Velia) is engraved in ancient Greek script.
Hand-set in a custom 14K gold bezel, this pendant unites classical Greek artistry with modern craftsmanship. Weighing 7.2 grams of fine silver, it is a rare, wearable artifact that bridges myth, history, and timeless elegance.
Product Description:
Coin Type: Hand struck
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Denomination: Nomos
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Mint: Lucania, Velia
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Empire: Greek
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Date: from 293/90-280 B.C.E.
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 7.2 grams
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Obverse: Bears the head of Athena, goddess of Wisdom, facing left in crested helmet decorated with a griffin; letter "phi" on neck guard and "AP" monogram behind.
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Reverse: Features a lion walking right with caduceus above; YELHTON in ex.
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Setting: Handcrafted in 14K gold.
- Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included.
Inv# A 41803
