Catálogo
| Emisor | Catuvellauni and Trinovantes tribes (Celtic Britain) |
|---|---|
| Año | 10-20 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | Stater (1) |
| Moneda | Stater |
| Composición | Gold |
| Peso | 5.6 g |
| Diámetro | 18 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | Van Arsdell#1931-01 , BMC Iron#1784, , Sills#552, 553 |
| Descripción del anverso | Corn ear with five pairs of grains either side of a central stalk that springs from a single short arc on one side of the base. Inscription to left and right. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del anverso | CA-MV |
| Descripción del reverso | Untamed-looking horse right, spiky mane, feathered tail, sharp dog-leg joint in second leg, rearing up from an exergual line. Branch above. Inscription below. |
| Escritura del reverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del reverso |
CVNO (Translation: Cunobelin.) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda |
CAMV Camulodunum, modern-day Colchester, United Kingdom |
| Tirada |
ND (10-20) - Plain reverse (only branch) - ND (10-20) - Palm branch springs from pair of annulate leaves with pellets above each - ND (10-20) - Ringed pellet above front legs (no other decoration) - ND (10-20) - Ringed pellet above front legs and above the body - ND (10-20) - Ringed pellet above front legs, and palm branch springs from pair of annulate leaves with pellets above each - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1048527990 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This Gold Stater, identified as Van Arsdell#1931-01, emanates from the powerful reign of Cunobelinus, King of the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes tribes in Celtic Britain, circa 10-20 AD. Operating from his capital at Camulodunum (modern Colchester), Cunobelinus was a dominant figure in pre-Roman Britain, referred to by Roman historians as "King of the Britons." His extensive and sophisticated coinage, including this early stater type, served not only as currency but also as a powerful declaration of his sovereignty and growing influence across southeastern Britain, facilitating trade and asserting his authority in a period of increasing interaction with the Roman world.
Artistry: The artistry of this stater reflects the evolving Late Iron Age Celtic style, moving towards greater naturalism while retaining characteristic Celtic abstraction. While no specific engraver is known, the coin's design demonstrates the skill of anonymous Celtic artisans. The obverse features a highly stylized laureate head facing right, interpreted as Apollo or a deified ruler, characteristic of the "Wild A" series with its distinctive, somewhat unkempt rendering of the hair or wreath. The reverse depicts a spirited horse galloping right, a common motif derived from Macedonian prototypes, with a prominent central stalk or branch above it, a symbolic element possibly representing fertility or a stylized tree, unique to this specific issue.
Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this stater measures approximately 18 mm in diameter and weighs 5.6 grams, typical specifications for the period. For optimal grading, collectors seek well-centered strikes that clearly present the distinctive "Wild A" laureate head on the obverse, with discernible wreath and facial features. On the reverse, the horse's form, including its head, legs, and tail, should be sharp, and crucially, the central stalk above the horse should be complete and well-defined. Due to the minting techniques of the era, irregular flan shapes and minor strike imperfections are common, but a strong strike on both sides significantly enhances its numismatic appeal.