Stater class VI

Historical Context: The Coriosolites, a prominent Armorican tribe in modern-day Brittany, issued this Stater class VI between 80 BC and 50 BC. This period immediately precedes and overlaps with Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul, a time of significant political flux and military expenditure. As part of the Armorican confederation, their coinage, often debased billon, reflects economic pressures and the need to finance tribal alliances or warfare prior to their subjugation by Crassus in 57 BC.

Artistry: Characteristic of late Gallic coinage, the Stater class VI exhibits a highly stylized interpretation of classical prototypes, likely derived from Macedonian staters. No individual engravers are known. The obverse typically features a highly abstract, often aniconic head, rendered with flowing, almost hair-like lines, while the reverse presents a fragmented or symbolic horse and charioteer. This distinct Celtic artistic idiom emphasizes pattern and abstraction over naturalistic representation, a hallmark of the Armorican school.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 4.24 gg and measuring 21 mm, this billon stater's surface can show varying degrees of debasement. For optimal grading, focus on the obverse's stylized facial features and the intricate flow of the "hair." On the reverse, clarity of the horse's body, legs, and any accompanying symbols (e.g., boar, triskelion) is paramount. Given common off-center strikes and irregular flans, a well-centered strike with full details is highly desirable.