From a collection over 30 years in the making, covering the whole range of Ancient British coinage, and including many ABC/Spink plate coins, this collector, exercising careful and methodical selection bought only the best pieces, helped by long-term acquisition during the ‘golden years’, when new discoveries were plentiful. This shows in the overall quality and completeness of the collection.

Whether gleaming, impressive gold staters or intricately cut silver units bearing the only surviving portraits from Britain’s ancient past are your thing, this collection has all that and more in abundance.

For more information and to view coins available now visit:

The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

The post The London Collection appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Diademed head right, large curls for hair/Horse right, zigzag tail, lyre below, wheel above, S in front

Rare

ABC647; 14mm, 1.47g

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

M Vosper FPL 84, no 3. Found West Hampriet, Chichester

This coin comes with a previous label.

Regni/Regini

The Regni, sometimes referred to as the Regini, appear to have occupied what is today the western portion of West Sussex – their tribal civitas probably underlying what became the Roman town of Noviomagus Reginorum (Chichester). Regnian coinage is characterised not only by its sheer diversity, but also scarcity. Indeed, many of the key types are extremely rare. This is perhaps exemplified best by many of the tribe’s quarter-staters, of which no fewer than forty varieties are listed by ABC.

The post Regini 1st Century BC Sussex Lyre Silver Unit *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Bust right wearing lionskin, CARA in front/Eagle standing holding snake

Rare

View Video Here

ABC 1376; 13mm, 1.31g

An above average example, well struck on a broad flan with dark tone to pleasing surfaces. Small die break over left wing of eagle.

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

C Rudd FPL 04.12.1993, no 26. Spink COE 2026 plate coin (S364) VA 593-1

This coin comes with a previous label.

Caratacus (c. AD 40–43?)

Caratacus, one of at least three sons born to Cunobelin, is arguably the most famous of them all. This is due to his efforts in leading the British resistance during the Claudian invasion of AD 43 alongside his brother Togodumnus, the latter dying at some point during the fighting. Caratacus’s exploits are well recounted, having been romanticised since the 17th century. Noted for his guerrilla-style struggle, he was eventually betrayed by Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes. Though sent to Rome in order to form part of Claudius’ victory parade, he impressed the Romans with his courage and was permitted to live out his days there. Before his ignominious reduction in status, Caratacus seems to have been largely responsible for reconquering the Atrebatic territory lost at Epaticcus’ death. His coins are extremely rare and desirable, known only today by one type of silver unit, the so called ‘Caratacus Eagle’ (ABC 1376/BMC 2376–84) and two types of silver minim.

The post Regini & Atrebates Caratacus c. AD 40 – 43 Caratacus Eagle Silver Unit *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

COMI in tablet, pellet in ring above and below/Horse rearing right, VI above

Scarce

View Video Here

ABC 1199; 9mm, 1.17g

A crisp, central strike on both sides.

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

Spink PT, 1997. ex Vecci auction 2, lot 973. 1996 VA 466 var.

This coin comes with a previous label.

Verica (AD 10–40)

Perhaps the best-known ‘son of Commios’, Verica appears to have been a contemporary of Cunobelin. His rule appears to have been relatively lengthy, although towards its late stages we begin to see evidence of instability – perhaps stimulated by the rise of Trinovantian-affiliated rulers such as Epatticus and Caractacus. Much like his predecessors Tincomarus and Epilllus, he struck only coins of gold and silver – with none of bronze currently known. From a stylistic point of view, some of his coins demonstrate continuity with earlier types, such as the ‘Verica Warrior Rex’ gold staters (ABC 1190/BMC 1146–58). These, depicting ‘COM F’ in a rectangular tablet on the obverse and a mounted warrior on the reverse, are virtually identical to the ‘Tincomarus Warrior’ types. Other issues of Verica represent the apogee of Classical influence upon Late Iron Age coinage. Motifs such as vine leaves, cornucopiae, ships prows, wine cups, shrines and sphinxes are all evidenced, with particularly diverse iconography to be found on his unusually extensive series of silver minims. Such images attest to the growing influence of Rome and the extent to which Classical art was beginning to permeate Iron Age Britain at multiple levels.

Like Tincomarus, we find Verica in Roman sources – the 3rd century historian Dio Cassius relating as follows in his Roman History:

‘Aulus Plautius…led a campaign against Britain, for a certain Bericus, who had been driven from the island as a result of an uprising, had persuaded Claudius to send a force there’ (Book LX, chapter 19).

On the basis of this, one could make the amusing observation that the Claudian invasion of Britain and institution of Britannia as a Roman province was at least partially stimulated by the efforts of a disgruntled Iron Age exile.

The post Regini & Atrebates Verica c. AD 10 – 40 Verica Little Horse Rearing Gold Quarter Stater *Scarce* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

TINCOM  COMMI  in 2 lines/Horse left, pellet mane, sun wheel above, bird? below

Very Rare

View Video Here

ABC 1073; 9mm, 1.20g

An especially sharply struck example with clear legends, often this small module type is prone to die clogging which obscures the inscription, a premium coin.

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

Spink PT, 1997  Spink COE 2026 plate coin  VA 365-1

This coin comes with a previous label.

Tincomarus (25 BC–AD 10?)

Striking both in gold and silver, Tincomarus is notable in that he is one of several Atrebatic rulers to style himself ‘COM F’ on coinage – an abbreviation of the Latin Commii Filius (‘son of Commius’). His issues are highly variable, being divided into no fewer than four different styles. These demonstrate a clear shift from indigenous art-styles towards Classically-influenced motifs, which often employ designs derived from contemporary Roman prototypes. The latter has been suggested as evidence that Tincomarus spent time in Rome as a hostage, which in all likelihood exposed him to a plethora of Classical art in various mediums. No finer example of this exists in his coinage than the so-called ‘Tincomarus Warrior’ staters (e.g. ABC 1061/BMC 767–8), the reverse featuring an equestrian design lifted directly from Republican denarii of 82 BC, struck by the moneyer P. Crepusius. He appears in Augustus’ Res Gestae, being named as a suppliant British king alongside the Kentish Dubnovellaunos.

The post Regini & Atrebates Tincomarus c. 25 BC – AD 10 Tincomarus Tincom Commi Gold Quarter Stater *Very Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

COMF in tablet/ Horse right, TIN above, reversed C below, wreath border

Rare

View Video Here

ABC 1085; 9mm, 1.19g

A well struck example with clear legends and detail.

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

Baldwins PT 1993 (M Sharp) VA 390

This coin comes with a previous label.

Tincomarus (25 BC–AD 10?)

Striking both in gold and silver, Tincomarus is notable in that he is one of several Atrebatic rulers to style himself ‘COM F’ on coinage – an abbreviation of the Latin Commii Filius (‘son of Commius’). His issues are highly variable, being divided into no fewer than four different styles. These demonstrate a clear shift from indigenous art-styles towards Classically-influenced motifs, which often employ designs derived from contemporary Roman prototypes. The latter has been suggested as evidence that Tincomarus spent time in Rome as a hostage, which in all likelihood exposed him to a plethora of Classical art in various mediums. No finer example of this exists in his coinage than the so-called ‘Tincomarus Warrior’ staters (e.g. ABC 1061/BMC 767–8), the reverse featuring an equestrian design lifted directly from Republican denarii of 82 BC, struck by the moneyer P. Crepusius. He appears in Augustus’ Res Gestae, being named as a suppliant British king alongside the Kentish Dubnovellaunos.

The post Regini & Atrebates Tincomarus c. 25 BC – AD 10 Tincomarus Tinc Horse Gold Quarter Stater *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Wreath design with hidden face/Triple tailed horse with beaded mane, floral sun above and wheel below

Rare

View Video Here

ABC500; 12mm, 1.22g

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

CNG auction 75, lot 5, 2007.  VA 222

This coin comes with a previous label.

Atrebates

A distinct grouping whose ancestral heartlands in Britain appear to sit within the region now comprising Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Coins from late in the Atrebatic series name their capital, Calleva – which would become the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum (modern Silchester).

Early uninscribed issues struck in the tribe’s British zone of influence include the so-called ‘Westerham’ type staters (ABC 482/BMC 24–32), whose abstract designs are based upon gold Macedonian staters. The Westerham staters themselves probably provided the inspiration for both Belgic staters of the Chute type, as well as later Cranborne Chase staters of the Durotriges. A particularly beautiful type of uninscribed Atrebatic quarter stater with numerous die varieties is the so-called ‘Selsey Dahlia’ (ABC 500/503/BMC 478–94), which displays a flower-like sun design above the reverse horse. Inscribed issues seem to appear from about 30 BC onwards, naming individuals such as Commios, Tincomarus, Eppillus and Verica. Commios appears to have held particular influence, as the latter three issuers all make claim to be his sons upon their coinages – perhaps a way of legitimising their authority.

Regni/Regini

The Regni, sometimes referred to as the Regini, appear to have occupied what is today the western portion of West Sussex – their tribal civitas probably underlying what became the Roman town of Noviomagus Reginorum (Chichester). Regnian coinage is characterised not only by its sheer diversity, but also scarcity. Indeed, many of the key types are extremely rare. This is perhaps exemplified best by many of the tribe’s quarter-staters, of which no fewer than forty varieties are listed by ABC.

The post Regini & Atrebates 1st Century BC Selsey Dahlia Mane Type Gold Quarter Stater *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Wreath design with hidden face/Triple tailed horse right, beaded mane, floral sun above and wheel below

View Video Here

ABC509; 15mm, 1.40g

well struck on a large flan, good detail and little wear, a premium coin.

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

C Rudd FPL 117, no 20.  VA 226

This coin comes with a previous label.

Atrebates

A distinct grouping whose ancestral heartlands in Britain appear to sit within the region now comprising Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire. Coins from late in the Atrebatic series name their capital, Calleva – which would become the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum (modern Silchester).

Early uninscribed issues struck in the tribe’s British zone of influence include the so-called ‘Westerham’ type staters (ABC 482/BMC 24–32), whose abstract designs are based upon gold Macedonian staters. The Westerham staters themselves probably provided the inspiration for both Belgic staters of the Chute type, as well as later Cranborne Chase staters of the Durotriges. A particularly beautiful type of uninscribed Atrebatic quarter stater with numerous die varieties is the so-called ‘Selsey Dahlia’ (ABC 500/503/BMC 478–94), which displays a flower-like sun design above the reverse horse. Inscribed issues seem to appear from about 30 BC onwards, naming individuals such as Commios, Tincomarus, Eppillus and Verica. Commios appears to have held particular influence, as the latter three issuers all make claim to be his sons upon their coinages – perhaps a way of legitimising their authority.

Regni/Regini

The Regni, sometimes referred to as the Regini, appear to have occupied what is today the western portion of West Sussex – their tribal civitas probably underlying what became the Roman town of Noviomagus Reginorum (Chichester). Regnian coinage is characterised not only by its sheer diversity, but also scarcity. Indeed, many of the key types are extremely rare. This is perhaps exemplified best by many of the tribe’s quarter-staters, of which no fewer than forty varieties are listed by ABC.

The post Regini & Atrebates 1st Century BC Bognor Cogwheel Mane Type Gold Quarter Stater appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Diademed head left, TINCOMARVS around/Horse left with lyre above, animals head below

Rare

ABC 1100; 13mm, 1.26g

A fantastic portrait and horse, helped by this example being struck in good silver, better than is usually seen for this type.

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

C Rudd FPL 15, no 11. VA 473-1

This coin comes with a previous label.

Tincomarus (25 BC–AD 10?)

Striking both in gold and silver, Tincomarus is notable in that he is one of several Atrebatic rulers to style himself ‘COM F’ on coinage – an abbreviation of the Latin Commii Filius (‘son of Commius’). His issues are highly variable, being divided into no fewer than four different styles. These demonstrate a clear shift from indigenous art-styles towards Classically-influenced motifs, which often employ designs derived from contemporary Roman prototypes. The latter has been suggested as evidence that Tincomarus spent time in Rome as a hostage, which in all likelihood exposed him to a plethora of Classical art in various mediums. No finer example of this exists in his coinage than the so-called ‘Tincomarus Warrior’ staters (e.g. ABC 1061/BMC 767–8), the reverse featuring an equestrian design lifted directly from Republican denarii of 82 BC, struck by the moneyer P. Crepusius. He appears in Augustus’ Res Gestae, being named as a suppliant British king alongside the Kentish Dubnovellaunos.

The post Regini & Atrebates Tincomarus c. 25 BC – AD 10 Tincomarus Diadem Silver Unit *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

COMF in tablet, scroll like decorations above and below/Eagle standing left, VI above

Scarce

ABC 1226; 12mm, 1.14g

Provenance

This coin is from The London Collection of Ancient British Coins. For more information click here: The London Collection – Silbury Coins : Silbury Coins

M Vosper FPL 77, no 141 VA 471

This coin comes with a previous label.

Verica (AD 10–40)

Perhaps the best-known ‘son of Commios’, Verica appears to have been a contemporary of Cunobelin. His rule appears to have been relatively lengthy, although towards its late stages we begin to see evidence of instability – perhaps stimulated by the rise of Trinovantian-affiliated rulers such as Epatticus and Caractacus. Much like his predecessors Tincomarus and Epilllus, he struck only coins of gold and silver – with none of bronze currently known. From a stylistic point of view, some of his coins demonstrate continuity with earlier types, such as the ‘Verica Warrior Rex’ gold staters (ABC 1190/BMC 1146–58). These, depicting ‘COM F’ in a rectangular tablet on the obverse and a mounted warrior on the reverse, are virtually identical to the ‘Tincomarus Warrior’ types. Other issues of Verica represent the apogee of Classical influence upon Late Iron Age coinage. Motifs such as vine leaves, cornucopiae, ships prows, wine cups, shrines and sphinxes are all evidenced, with particularly diverse iconography to be found on his unusually extensive series of silver minims. Such images attest to the growing influence of Rome and the extent to which Classical art was beginning to permeate Iron Age Britain at multiple levels.

Like Tincomarus, we find Verica in Roman sources – the 3rd century historian Dio Cassius relating as follows in his Roman History:

‘Aulus Plautius…led a campaign against Britain, for a certain Bericus, who had been driven from the island as a result of an uprising, had persuaded Claudius to send a force there’ (Book LX, chapter 19).

On the basis of this, one could make the amusing observation that the Claudian invasion of Britain and institution of Britannia as a Roman province was at least partially stimulated by the efforts of a disgruntled Iron Age exile.

The post Regini & Atrebates Verica c. AD 10 – 40 Verica Eagle Silver Unit *Scarce* appeared first on Silbury Coins.