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Drachm with cross, early series with dolphins plant sprouting from the mouth, torque, four points, ax, eye
| Issuer | Volcæ Tectosages (Gallia Narbonensis) |
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| Year | 230 BC - 160 BC |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Highly stylized Celtic head facing left, rendered in a bold, schematic manner characteristic of Volcae Tectosages coinage. The facial features are prominently abstracted, with large almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, and full lips rendered in relief. The hair is depicted as a series of flowing, ribbon-like locks sweeping back from the crown, interspersed with pellet and scroll ornaments. A row of pellets appears at the chin, possibly representing a torque or beard detail. The overall treatment reflects the La Tène artistic tradition, diverging significantly from the Hellenistic prototype. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
The Volcae Tectosages occupied a stretch of territory centered on Tolosa (modern Toulouse), and ancient sources — including Strabo — record that their sacred lake and temple precinct held an extraordinary hoard of gold, reportedly plundered from Delphi by a Gallic raiding party in 279 BC. Whether that wealth seeded their early silver coinage is debated, but the tribal mint was clearly active and technically capable well before Roman pacification of Narbonensis in the 120s BC forced rapid monetary changes across the region.
The dolphins appearing on this early series reflect sustained contact with the Greek trading colony at Massalia, whose own coinage was the direct prototype for much of southern Gaulish silver production.