Unit

Historical Context: This bronze unit from the City of Sekaisa, a key mint of the Belli people in Hispania Citerior, dates from 100 to 50 BC. This era marks the late Iberian period, characterized by escalating Roman influence and the turbulent Sertorian Wars (80-72 BC). Sekaisa's continued minting rights signify a degree of local autonomy amidst Roman consolidation, with these bronze issues facilitating daily commerce within the city and its surrounding territories.

Artistry: The stylistic school of this Sekaisa unit is distinctly Celtiberian, blending local iconographic traditions. While the engraver remains anonymous, typical Sekaisa units feature a male head on the obverse, often laureate or bare, representing a local hero or magistrate. The reverse characteristically depicts a horseman, frequently holding a spear or palm, accompanied by the city's name, "SEKAISA," in Iberian script. This iconography highlights the Belli people's martial heritage and cultural identity.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 8.98 grams and measuring 23 millimeters, this bronze unit's technical strike qualities are typical for contemporary Iberian issues. High-points for the obverse male head include the hair, eye, and nose; for the reverse horseman, the rider's head, horse's head, and legs are crucial. Optimal examples show good centering, a full strike revealing all design elements, and minimal flan irregularities or porosity. Grading assesses the clarity of the legend and the integrity of the primary devices.