Gold Plated 1/4 Stater - Cunobelin Cunobelinus Wild Contemporary Counterfeit

Historical Context: This gold-plated bronze 1/4 stater is a contemporary counterfeit of a coin issued by Cunobelinus, King of the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes, circa 10-20 CE. Ruling from Camulodunum, Cunobelinus was a dominant figure in pre-Roman Britain, recognized by Roman sources as 'Rex Britannorum'. The widespread circulation and high value of his coinage, influenced by Roman prototypes, spurred the production of such counterfeits, reflecting economic demand and the sophistication of the monetary system.

Artistry: As an illicit imitation, this piece attempts to replicate the design of a genuine Cunobelinus 1/4 stater (e.g., ABC 2813). The original coinage typically featured a laureate head, often Apollo, on the obverse, and a stylized horse with a wheel or symbols on the reverse, accompanied by the legend CVN. Authentic issues exemplify late Iron Age Celtic numismatic art, blending indigenous abstract design with classical elements. Counterfeits, while mimicking the general form, often exhibit cruder engraving and less refined stylistic execution.

Technical/Grading: This piece is notable for its composition: gold-plated bronze. At 1.00 grams and 12 mm, it is significantly lighter and smaller than genuine gold 1/4 staters (typically around 1.3 grams and 13-14 mm), a clear indicator of its counterfeit nature. High points of the original design, such as facial features or horse's musculature, would likely be weakly struck or poorly rendered. The plating, often thin, would have worn quickly in circulation, exposing the base metal and revealing its fraudulent intent.