Gold Stater - Esuprasu

Historical Context: The Gold Stater of Esuprasu, issued by the Corieltauvi tribe between 10-43 AD, represents a critical juncture in British history. Esuprasu was a named ruler of this East Midlands tribe, whose coinage marks the final decades of indigenous autonomy before the Roman conquest of 43 AD. His existence, evidenced solely through these coins, provides invaluable insight into the political landscape of late pre-Roman Iron Age Britain, demonstrating a sophisticated tribal structure capable of issuing high-value currency amidst growing Roman influence.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, the stater exemplifies late Iron Age Celtic artistry, characterized by its distinctive abstract and curvilinear style. The obverse typically features a highly stylized, almost fragmented head, a distant echo of classical prototypes, often rendered with a unique "petal" or "leaf" pattern for the hair. The reverse displays a vigorously stylized horse, often accompanied by a solar symbol or wheel, embodying Celtic spiritual beliefs. The ruler's name, ESUPRASU, is usually integrated into the design, underscoring the coin's political and personal significance.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold to a weight of 5.4 grams and a diameter of 19 millimeters, this stater adheres to the standard specifications for the type. Key high-points for grading include the definition of the abstract facial features on the obverse and the horse's head, legs, and accompanying symbols on the reverse. Strikes can exhibit variations in centering and relief, common for handmade dies and flans of the period. Its numerous references confirm its documented status in numismatic scholarship.