Catalog
| Issuer | Untikesken gens |
|---|---|
| Year | 150 BC - 100 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 As |
| Currency | As (Roman pound system, 2nd century BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 21 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | ACIP#1025, FAB#1213 |
| Obverse description | Head of Athena with helmet facing right. Jug to the left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | eba |
| Reverse description | Pegasus facing right. Wreath above. Palm leaf below. |
| Reverse script | Iberian (Levantine) |
| Reverse lettering | untikesken |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (150 BC - 100 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2076171600 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This bronze issue, referenced as ACIP#1025 and FAB#1213, originates from the Untikesken gens, an Iberian community active between 150 and 100 BC. This period coincides with intense Roman expansion and influence across Hispania, a time of profound political and cultural transformation for indigenous peoples. The "eba" legend likely denotes the issuing authority or a specific local designation, reflecting the complex interplay of local traditions and burgeoning Roman administrative structures. The coin served as vital local currency amidst the shifting powers of the Iberian Peninsula.
Artistry: The design, encompassing the "eba" legend and a jug reverse, exemplifies the distinctive stylistic school of Iberian numismatics from the late Republican period. While specific engravers remain anonymous, the artistic execution typically blends indigenous Iberian motifs, often a local male head on the obverse for "As" denominations, with Hellenistic and early Roman influences. The jug, a common reverse type, symbolized abundance or local agricultural wealth, rendered in a robust, schematic style characteristic of local mints, prioritizing clear symbolism over intricate detail.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this substantial coin measures 32 mm in diameter and weighs 21 grams, indicative of a significant denomination for its era. For grading, high points on the obverse would typically include the hair and facial features of the depicted head (if present), while on the reverse, the rim and handle of the jug would show the earliest wear. Strike quality can vary, often exhibiting minor off-centring or areas of weakness, common for large bronze issues from this era due to manual striking methods and the nature of the flans.