Tetradrachm - 'Samobor A type'

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, known as the 'Samobor A type', originates from East Noricum, a significant Celtic tribal confederation flourishing between 200 BC and 1 BC. This period marks the Late Iron Age, characterized by dynamic societal structures and burgeoning trade networks in Central Europe, prior to full Roman annexation. The issuance of such substantial silver coinage underscores the economic sophistication and political autonomy of the Norican tribes, serving as a vital medium for commerce and a symbol of regional power in the Pannonian basin.

Artistry: While individual engravers remain anonymous, the 'Samobor A type' exemplifies the distinctive artistic style of Danubian Celtic coinage. It draws inspiration from Hellenistic prototypes, particularly the tetradrachms of Philip II of Macedon, yet reinterprets them with a uniquely Celtic aesthetic. The designs typically feature a highly stylized human head on the obverse and an equally stylized horse or rider on the reverse. This artistic school emphasizes abstraction and dynamic energy, transforming familiar motifs into powerful, often geometric, expressions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing approximately 8.51 grams and measuring 25 millimeters, this tetradrachm exhibits characteristics typical of ancient hand-struck coinage. Key high-points for grading include the definition of the stylized facial features on the obverse and the horse's musculature and rider's details on the reverse. A strong strike will reveal these elements clearly, despite common irregular flan shapes and slight off-centering inherent to Celtic minting. The silver purity is generally good, contributing to its enduring appeal.