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Bronze Unit Hengistbury Smiler
| Issuer | Durotriges tribe (Celtic Britain) |
|---|---|
| Year | 10-45 |
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| Composition | Bronze |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Abstract design consisting of a grouping of three to ten pellets arranged across the field, typically disposed above a prominent large crescent or neckring motif rendered in a manner colloquially described as a 'smiley face.' The pellets vary in number across die varieties. The design is unlettered and executed in the debased, schematic style typical of late Durotrigan cast bronze issues, with a plain surrounding border. |
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| Mintage | ND (10-45) - VA 1334: Two / Three pellets - ND (10-45) - VA 1335: One / Five pellets - ND (10-45) - VA 1336: Three / Five pellets - |
| Additional information |
The Durotriges occupied a territory roughly corresponding to modern Dorset and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire, with Hengistbury Head functioning as a major trading port before Roman disruption of cross-Channel commerce — likely a direct consequence of Caesar's Gallic campaigns — pushed the tribe toward economic isolation. Their bronze coinage is notably debased compared to earlier Durotrigian gold and silver issues, reflecting a society progressively cut off from Continental trade networks rather than one that simply preferred bronze.
The "Smiler" designation refers to a stylistic tradition among collectors, not ancient nomenclature. Dies for this type show considerable variation in execution across the known corpus.