Catalog
Scyphate obol
| Issuer | Salyes |
|---|---|
| Year | 100 BC - 50 BC |
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| Composition | Silver |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A schematic four-spoked wheel occupying the concave field, rendered in low relief with bold, straight incuse lines. The central hub is defined by the intersection of the spokes, with a notable interruption or gap along one of the central spoke segments, a diagnostic feature of this Salyes obol type. The design is geometric and abstract, with no surrounding legend or border, consistent with the Celtic coinage tradition of southern Gaul. |
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| Mintage | ND (100 BC - 50 BC) |
| Additional information |
The Salyes were a Celto-Ligurian confederation controlling the lower Rhône valley and the coastal hinterland around Massalia until Rome crushed their power in 124–123 BC, founding Aquae Sextiae in the aftermath. Coinage attributed to them after that point was likely struck by remnant communities operating under Roman supervision — or in defiance of it.
The scyphate (cup-shaped) fabric at this tiny module is unusual for Gaulish silver and may reflect Massalian technical influence on local dies.