Billon Unit 'Crab Type'

Historical Context: This Billon Unit, the 'Crab Type,' was issued by the Durotriges tribe between 10 and 43 AD, marking the final phase of independent Iron Age coinage in Britain. The Durotriges, based in modern-day Dorset, experienced increasing Roman pressure culminating in the Claudian invasion of 43 AD, after which their coinage ceased. This period signifies a critical transition from indigenous tribal autonomy to Roman provincial rule, with these billon issues serving as local currency during a time of profound change.

Artistry: The 'Crab Type' exemplifies the highly abstract, devolved stylistic school of Late Iron Age Celtic art. Lacking specific engraver attribution, designs are far removed from classical prototypes. The obverse features a highly stylized, almost unidentifiable head, a vestige of earlier Apollo representations. The reverse presents a fragmented, highly degenerate horse, a common Celtic motif, reduced to disjointed elements whose limbs resemble the claws and legs of a crab or spider, hence the type's distinctive name.

Technical/Grading: Struck on small (13mm), often irregular billon flans, the technical strike quality of these units is frequently inconsistent. Off-centre strikes are common, resulting in incomplete designs. High-points include any discernible features of the abstract obverse head and the distinct 'crab-like' elements of the reverse horse. Billon alloy is prone to surface corrosion, and the overall clarity of the highly abstract design elements is paramount for grading, alongside strike completeness.