Scarce AE17, late 4th to 2nd century BC, Velia, Northern Lucania, Ancient Greek coins

Head of Zeus right, laureate // ΥΕΛΗ. Owl facing, wings open. 17mm, 3.83 grams. HN Italy 1330 (for half unit).

Rare large denomination (double the small AE11 known for this type).

Velia, Elea for the Greeks, was founded around 540 BC by Phocaeans who had left Asia Minor after the fall of Sardis in 546 BC. Velia became an ally of the Romans from 275 BC The lion was the symbol of the city hence its use on the coinage of Marseille because the Marseille metropolis had close ties with Velia.