Ancient Celtic Coin – Continental Silver Unit c60-50BC

Description

Heading: Ancient Celtic Coin c60-50BC

Denomination: Silver unit (hammered)

Period: Celtic/Iron age

Date: c60-50 BC

Origin: Gaul (France)

Condition: AVF. areas of weakness

Obverse: Celticized helmeted head of Roma. [Q.]DOC[I] to left

Reverse: [Q DOCI] above horse prancing to left. beaded edge. SAMF (ligate)

Size and Weight: 14mm. 1.99g

References: DeLaTour 5405. BMC 346

Features and Provenance: The name Gaul was coined (excuse the pun) by the Romans to describe the Celtic tribes in central to eastern France. The Sequani gained their name from the river of the same name. possibly associated with the goddess of rivers with the same name and the river Seine’s source called the Fontes Sequanae in Burgundy. in particular. They became one of the most powerful European tribes and their coins were influenced by Roman and Greek artistry. However. despite their acumen for defence and war. by the 1st century they were weakened and absorbed by Rome. but not without revolt.

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