Celtic Coins Catuvellauni and Trinovantes Cunobelinus Gold Stater 8-41AD Classic Type

Description

Denomination: Gold stater

Period: Late iron age/Celtic

Date: 1st century AD

Origin: Catuvellauni tribe, north of the Thames

Condition: VF, good detail to obverse and well centred reverse, flan split to edge, a very rare coin

Obverse: Corn ear with central stalk, CA to left, MV to right (Camulodunon mint)

Reverse: Horse rearing to right, branch above, CVNO below (for Cunobelin), pellets in field

Size and Weight: 5.6g; 16.91mm diameter, 3.32cm thickness

References: ABC2795-2798, Spink281-289

Features and Provenance: The Catuvellauni tribe (the name meaning ‘men excelling in battle’) occupied a large area now called Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and surrounding lands. Their southern boundary was formed by the Thames or Tamesa (Dark River) as it was called then. They became the strongest tribe and absorbed their rival the Trinovantes and survived into Roman occupation; an inscription near Hadrian’s wall mentions them. Their coins were mint primarily at Verlamion (=Verulamium, St Albans) but also at Camulodunon (Colchester).

Cunobelin ruled over the joint tribes of the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes and additionally Kent. It was he who possibly lead to the Roman invasion of Britain to quell his power and expansion.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible