Catalog
| Issuer | Santoni |
|---|---|
| Year | 60 BC - 50 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denier |
| Currency | |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.88 g |
| Diameter | 13.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | DT#3265-3266, LT#4525, GCV#103 |
| Obverse description | Helmeted head facing left, legend in front of face; beaded circle. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | ARIVOS |
| Reverse description | Bridled horse leaping right; below, a dotted beaded circle; legend in front and above; beaded circle. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | SANTONO |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (60 BC - 50 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3029815220 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Denier, bearing ARIVOS and SANTONO, was issued by the Santones, a Gallic tribe in modern Saintonge, France, 60-50 BC. This period marks Caesar's conquest of Gaul, making the coin a crucial artifact of tribal autonomy amidst Roman expansion. ARIVOS likely signifies a local chieftain, while SANTONO identifies the issuing tribe. The silver coinage demonstrates Santonian economic sophistication and need for currency during a pivotal era of self-governance.
Artistry: The Santonian Denier showcases the distinctive Celtic artistic tradition, known for its stylized and abstract interpretation of forms. Gallic engravers typically featured a highly stylized head on the obverse and a horse or