1/4 Quinarius Roseldorf III type

Historical Context: This 1/4 Quinarius, Roseldorf III type, originates from the Kingdom of Noricum, a prominent Celtic power in the Eastern Alps (100-1 BC). Renowned for its iron and strategic trade, Noricum maintained a sophisticated economy. Such fractional silver coinage, likely minted at key oppida like Roseldorf, underscores robust local commerce. These coins facilitated daily transactions, reflecting Noricum's economic autonomy amidst growing Roman influence, preceding its integration into the Empire.

Artistry: Norican engravers crafted coinage in a distinct Celtic style, reinterpreting Greek and Roman prototypes with indigenous artistic sensibilities. The Roseldorf III type typically displays a highly stylized head on the obverse, often a laureate deity or chief, rendered with abstract, fragmented features characteristic of La Tène art. The reverse commonly features an equally stylized horse or zoomorphic symbol, conveying dynamic energy. This "barbarized" aesthetic exemplifies a sophisticated native tradition prioritizing symbolic representation.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a diminutive silver flan (0.42 grams, 9 millimeters), this 1/4 Quinarius presents specific grading considerations. Due to rudimentary minting techniques, strikes are often off-center, and planchets can be irregularly shaped. High-points for wear typically include the hair and facial features on the obverse, and the horse's mane and musculature on the reverse. A well-struck example will show clear, if stylized, details, though minor flatness or weakness is common and inherent to its practical production.