LUCANIA. Velia. Circa 334-300 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 21 mm, 7.66 g, 9 h), signed by Kleudoros. Head of Athena facing slightly to left, wearing winged and crested Phrygian helmet and necklace, and with her hair flowing loose; on the bowl, signature KΛEYΔOPOY.
Rev. YEΛHTΩN Lion standing left, devouring prey; above, A; below, monogram of KE. Basel 120 (
this coin). Dewing 464 (
same dies). Franke-Hirmer pl. 80, 226 (
this coin, obverse). HN Italy 1295. Holloway, Art, 22, 4 and p. 160 (
this coin). Mangieri pl. 23 (
this coin). SNG ANS 1333 (
same dies). Williams 335ii (
this coin). Of splendid style and with an particularly well readable artist's signature. Slightly rough
, otherwise, good very fine.
From the Kleinkunst Collection and from the collections of A. D. Moretti, Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998, 120 and 'UN' (cf. Hirmer, 'Die griechische Münze', p. 70, 226).
This facing head of Athena of Kleudoros, his personal masterpiece, is clearly derived from Eukleidas' most famous work of art in Syracuse. Like his ingenious precursor, the proud Velian artist signed the die by placing his name, in Ionian dialect, on the bowl of Athena's helmet.
