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Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 30  29 October 2016
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Lot 135

Estimate: 750 GBP
Price realized: 850 GBP
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Ionia, Phokaia EL Hekte. Circa 521-478 BC. Forepart of lion left, devouring prey; above, small seal to left / Quadripartite incuse square. Bodenstedt 36; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –; Boston MFA –; BMC 21; de Luynes 2646; Traité II 2095. 2.53g, 10mm.

Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, only two other examples offered at auction in the past fifteen years.

The obverse type of the forepart of a lion tearing at its prey was used extensively by the Phokaian refugees who had settled at Velia in Bruttium after their native city had been conquered by the Persians in the 540s BC. The appearance of the same motif here can thus be easily explained as symbolising the link between Phokaia and their kin at Velia.
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