Bronze with running character and stars

Historical Context: This bronze coin originates from the uncertain tribes of Gallia Belgica, minted during a tumultuous period spanning 60 BC to 25 AD. This era encompasses Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul and the subsequent establishment of Roman imperial authority. These tribal issues represent a transitional phase, reflecting local autonomy and cultural identity amidst increasing Roman influence and eventual provincial integration. Such coinage often served local economic needs, supplementing Roman currency, and attests to the varied political landscape of pre-Roman and early Roman Gaul.

Artistry: The coin's design features a dynamic running character, accompanied by stars, a common motif in Celtic numismatics. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for tribal issues, the stylistic school is distinctly Celtic. This style is characterized by its abstract and vigorous interpretation of figures, often diverging significantly from classical Greco-Roman realism. The running figure likely represents a warrior, deity, or ancestral hero, imbued with local symbolism, while the stars may hold astronomical or spiritual significance within Gallic cosmology.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, weighing 2.69 grams and measuring 15 millimeters, this coin exhibits characteristics typical of contemporary tribal issues. High-points for preservation would include the definition of the running character's head, limbs, and any attributes, as well as the clarity of the stars. Given the manufacturing techniques of the period, strikes often present with varying degrees of completeness, potential off-centering, and uneven flan preparation. The small module suggests its role as local small change, with details often appearing softly struck.