SOLIDV on plain field, chain border/Standing figue left holding staff. CV to left, NO to right

Extremely Rare

ABC474; 12mm, 1.27g

View Video Here

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 1995, found St Albans 1987. Seaby COE 2006 plate coin VA 2073-1

This coin comes with a previous label.

Solidv (AD 40–43?)

Just as ‘Sego’ occurs on coins also naming Tasciovanus, so does ‘Solidv’ also appear on coins in conjunction with another ruler’s name – Cunobelin. While initially doubted as securely Kentish products, the distribution of metal-detected finds seems to indicate that they were produced there, though almost certainly not in large numbers. While ‘Solidv’ may refer to the name of a ruler, a local official or even a mint-place, its precise meaning is currently lost to time. It is also plausible that it could represent, as with ‘Sego’, some kind of title. Nevertheless, its occurrence on a coin apparently using an issue of Caligula as a reverse prototype (AD 37–41) suggests a date right at the very end of the Late Iron Age, quite literally a few years prior to Claudius’ invasion.

The post Cantiaci Solidus c. AD 40-43 Silver Unit *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Plain/Stylised Roman trophy

Rare

View Video Here

ABC192; 17mm, 1.25g

An attractive coin with distinguished pedigree.

Provenance

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

Sothebys, L Stack Collection, April 1999, lot 17. Ex Carlyon Britton (Lot 13) & Mossop collection VA 145-1

This coin comes with a previous label.

Cantiaci

 ‘Of all the Britons the inhabitants of Kent, an entirely maritime district, are by far the most civilised, differing but little from the Gallic manner of life.’

Caesar, De Bello Gallico, book V, chapter 13.

The modern county of Kent was, according to the Romans, the homeland of the Cantiaci or Cantii. The closest portion of mainland Britain to the Continent, it is unsurprising that in the Late Iron Age the region boasted strong links with north-east France – a legacy maintained to this day, one could argue, with the continued importance of Dover and Folkestone as key cross-channel ferry ports.

Kent’s earliest Iron Age coins (and indeed, probably the earliest indigenously-produced British coins) are represented by cast bronze pieces called potins, whose alloy has a high tin content. On the basis of single finds and hoards, we know that imported gold in the form of Gallo-Belgic coinage was widely used in Kent at around the same time as the potins.

The somewhat mysterious series of uninscribed Kentish gold, including the so-called ‘Weald Net’ staters (ABC 177/BMC 2466) and ‘Corded Triangle’ quarter staters (ABC 198/BMC 2469–71) were probably struck c. 50–30/25 BC, they perhaps slightly precede a diverse group of uninscribed silver and bronze issues.

Inscribed issues belong towards the end of the Kentish coin-sequence, as is invariably the general case in Late Iron Age Britain. Their production probably began from c. 25 BC onwards and runs onward till shortly before the Claudian invasion. It is worth noting that at this time, Kent seems to have been taken over to varying extents by rulers from neighbouring regions. These rulers in turn came to issue coins in the region, even though they themselves might not originate from it, nor it reflect their main power-base.

The post Cantiaci 1st Century BC Caesar’s Trophy Gold Quarter Stater *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Head left with snakeheads around/Horse left with rider on back and snakeheads around

Excessively Rare

ABC237; 14mm, 1.03g

View Video Here

A wonderful example of this seldom seen type, well struck on a large flan with little wear, contributing to this being a captivating piece of early art. An early British issue based on a Gaulish prototype. 4 known (as of 03.2014).

Provenance

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

A Gillis FPL 10, (December 1995) no C3

This coin comes with a previous label.

Cantiaci

 ‘Of all the Britons the inhabitants of Kent, an entirely maritime district, are by far the most civilised, differing but little from the Gallic manner of life.’

Caesar, De Bello Gallico, book V, chapter 13.

The modern county of Kent was, according to the Romans, the homeland of the Cantiaci or Cantii. The closest portion of mainland Britain to the Continent, it is unsurprising that in the Late Iron Age the region boasted strong links with north-east France – a legacy maintained to this day, one could argue, with the continued importance of Dover and Folkestone as key cross-channel ferry ports.

Kent’s earliest Iron Age coins (and indeed, probably the earliest indigenously-produced British coins) are represented by cast bronze pieces called potins, whose alloy has a high tin content. On the basis of single finds and hoards, we know that imported gold in the form of Gallo-Belgic coinage was widely used in Kent at around the same time as the potins.

The somewhat mysterious series of uninscribed Kentish gold, including the so-called ‘Weald Net’ staters (ABC 177/BMC 2466) and ‘Corded Triangle’ quarter staters (ABC 198/BMC 2469–71) were probably struck c. 50–30/25 BC, they perhaps slightly precede a diverse group of uninscribed silver and bronze issues.

Inscribed issues belong towards the end of the Kentish coin-sequence, as is invariably the general case in Late Iron Age Britain. Their production probably began from c. 25 BC onwards and runs onward till shortly before the Claudian invasion. It is worth noting that at this time, Kent seems to have been taken over to varying extents by rulers from neighbouring regions. These rulers in turn came to issue coins in the region, even though they themselves might not originate from it, nor it reflect their main power-base.

The post Cantiaci 1st Century BC Snakeheads Silver Unit *Excessively Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Diademed head right with torc-like ear and crescentic neck line, bucranium before and other animal heads around/Horse right ringed pellet on chest and haunch, animal head above, ringed pellet and neck- torc below

Excessively Rare

ABC240; 15mm, 1.07g

Minor edge chip. 3 known.

View Video Here

Provenance

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

Silbury Coins, April 2012 (find spot unrecorded)

This coin comes with a previous label.

Cantiaci

 ‘Of all the Britons the inhabitants of Kent, an entirely maritime district, are by far the most civilised, differing but little from the Gallic manner of life.’

Caesar, De Bello Gallico, book V, chapter 13.

The modern county of Kent was, according to the Romans, the homeland of the Cantiaci or Cantii. The closest portion of mainland Britain to the Continent, it is unsurprising that in the Late Iron Age the region boasted strong links with north-east France – a legacy maintained to this day, one could argue, with the continued importance of Dover and Folkestone as key cross-channel ferry ports.

Kent’s earliest Iron Age coins (and indeed, probably the earliest indigenously-produced British coins) are represented by cast bronze pieces called potins, whose alloy has a high tin content. On the basis of single finds and hoards, we know that imported gold in the form of Gallo-Belgic coinage was widely used in Kent at around the same time as the potins.

The somewhat mysterious series of uninscribed Kentish gold, including the so-called ‘Weald Net’ staters (ABC 177/BMC 2466) and ‘Corded Triangle’ quarter staters (ABC 198/BMC 2469–71) were probably struck c. 50–30/25 BC, they perhaps slightly precede a diverse group of uninscribed silver and bronze issues.

Inscribed issues belong towards the end of the Kentish coin-sequence, as is invariably the general case in Late Iron Age Britain. Their production probably began from c. 25 BC onwards and runs onward till shortly before the Claudian invasion. It is worth noting that at this time, Kent seems to have been taken over to varying extents by rulers from neighbouring regions. These rulers in turn came to issue coins in the region, even though they themselves might not originate from it, nor it reflect their main power-base.

The post Cantiaci 1st C BC Garrad’s Ring Horse Silver Unit *Excess. Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Coiled dragon/Horse right with large pellet on chest and rump, cross hatched nets above and below

Excessively Rare

ABC243; 12mm, 1.00g

View Video Here

Well struck in good silver, a most attractive type and example. This example better than the ABC plate coin. 4 known.

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 112, no 9, found Canterbury, Kent VA 1644

This coin comes with a previous label.

Cantiaci

 ‘Of all the Britons the inhabitants of Kent, an entirely maritime district, are by far the most civilised, differing but little from the Gallic manner of life.’

Caesar, De Bello Gallico, book V, chapter 13.

The modern county of Kent was, according to the Romans, the homeland of the Cantiaci or Cantii. The closest portion of mainland Britain to the Continent, it is unsurprising that in the Late Iron Age the region boasted strong links with north-east France – a legacy maintained to this day, one could argue, with the continued importance of Dover and Folkestone as key cross-channel ferry ports.

Kent’s earliest Iron Age coins (and indeed, probably the earliest indigenously-produced British coins) are represented by cast bronze pieces called potins, whose alloy has a high tin content. On the basis of single finds and hoards, we know that imported gold in the form of Gallo-Belgic coinage was widely used in Kent at around the same time as the potins.

The somewhat mysterious series of uninscribed Kentish gold, including the so-called ‘Weald Net’ staters (ABC 177/BMC 2466) and ‘Corded Triangle’ quarter staters (ABC 198/BMC 2469–71) were probably struck c. 50–30/25 BC, they perhaps slightly precede a diverse group of uninscribed silver and bronze issues.

Inscribed issues belong towards the end of the Kentish coin-sequence, as is invariably the general case in Late Iron Age Britain. Their production probably began from c. 25 BC onwards and runs onward till shortly before the Claudian invasion. It is worth noting that at this time, Kent seems to have been taken over to varying extents by rulers from neighbouring regions. These rulers in turn came to issue coins in the region, even though they themselves might not originate from it, nor it reflect their main power-base.

The post Cantiaci 1st Century BC Canterbury Dragon Silver Unit *Excessively Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Laureate head left, SA in front/Griffin left head turned back and SA below

Very Rare

ABC369; 14mm, 1.05g

View Video Here

Struck in good silver with little wear, a premium coin. 14 known.

Provenance

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

G Cottam collection 2015, M Vosper 2009, found Kent

This coin comes with a previous label.

Sam (AD 1–10?)

Potentially contemporary with the end of Dubnovellaunos’ reign, and perhaps also Vosenos, is another Kentish ruler known only from his coins – Sam. This charmingly modern-sounding name is probably an abbreviation of something longer, appearing mostly as ‘SA’ on the small number of coins he issued. Although ABC lists only five types for Sam, numbering three of bronze and two of silver, a gold stater stuck in his name was found about a decade ago near Deal, Kent. The latter coin is unique, though gives hope that further finds might emerge (and with them, further information), shining a little more light on precisely who ‘Sam’ was.

The post Cantiaci Sam c. AD 1-10 Sam Griffin Silver Unit *Very Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

SEGO in central panel, chain of 2 interweaved lines for border/Warrior riding right, occasional rings around

Extremely Rare

ABC447; 14mm, 1.26g

View Video Here

A pleasing coin in hand, irregular flan (often the case with this issue).

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 1997. found North Kent, Kretz type F1 (i) annulets, Seaby COE 2006-? plate coin VA 1851

This coin comes with a previous label.

Sego (AD 5–15?)

One might be forgiven for thinking that coins bearing the inscription ‘SEGO’ must surely relate to the Sego(vax) described by Caesar. However, due to the chronological separation between the two, this is unfortunately not so. Additionally, the ‘SEGO’ who appears on Kentish coins is almost always named always alongside another Late Iron Age ruler – Tasciovanus, who ruled over the neighbouring North Thames region. Some have suggested that these coins reflect an attempt by Tasciovanus to extend his zone of influence into Kent, although linguistics may provide an ample answer in this case. ‘Sego’, meaning ‘strong’ in Brythonic, could well be a title rather than name. Thus, the coins where ‘Sego’ appears might well be a title declared by Tasciovanus upon himself rather than being a reference to a co-ruler. Issues of ‘Sego’ include those stuck in gold, silver and bronze, though it is the gold ‘Sego Warrior’ type stater which is perhaps the most evocative (ABC 441/BMC 1625–7). Here, on the reverse face, a warrior seated astride a prancing horse brandishes a carnyx (war trumpet).

The post Cantiaci Sego c. AD 5-15 Guilloche Silver Unit *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

A inside circle within wreath/Hippocamp right with S above, AMI below

Extremely Rare

ABC462; 12mm, 1.00g

View Video Here

an attractive coin, dark tone, good detail and pleasing surfaces.

Provenance

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

G Cottam Collection 2015, M Vosper 1994, found Marks Tay, Essex VA 194 var.

This coin comes with a previous label.

Amminus (AD 30–40?)

Striking coins towards the end of the Kentish sequence, Amminus can probably be equated with the ‘Adminius’ noted by the historian Suetonius. A probable son of Cunobelin, he seems to have fled Britain to seek refuge in Rome just a few years before the Claudian invasion. His coins, struck only in silver and bronze, have notable similarities (appropriately) with those of his father. Heavily influenced by classical imagery from the Roman world, it is interesting to note that several of Amminus’ coins depict the hippocamp – a mythological creature perhaps taken as some sort of personal emblem or badge. One particular type, the so-called ‘Amminus Biga’ (ABC 459), has a highly innovative design reminiscent of reverse types used by the Roman emperor Probus during the later 3rd century AD. Here, a two-horse chariot (biga) is depicted as if charging directly at the viewer head-on, a remarkable use of artistic perspective. The presence of the inscriptions ‘DVN’ or ‘DVNO’ on two different types (one silver, the other bronze), has led some to speculate that this might relate to a mint place, although precisely where remains uncertain.

The post Cantiaci Amminus c. AD 30-40 Hippocamp Silver Unit *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Two thin crescents back to back, pellet in each cusp/Horse right, right foreleg raised

Extremely Rare

ABC402 (listed as Eppillus but since reattributed due to new inscribed stater discovery); 8mm, 0.20g

Sills DK 121: Coinage of Kent, The Southern Region Dynasty in Kent; Anarevito; Silver – Stepping Horse. Sills believes this coin was struck by Anarevito (J.Sills, Divided Kingdoms, p.78, 783) rather than Eppillus given its resemblance to his stater. (first discovered in 2024). 3 known.

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 132, no 8

This coin comes with a previous label.

The post Cantiaci Anarevitos c.AD 10-15 Stepping Horse Silver Minim *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Nipples Cast Bronze Unit

Crude outline head left around large central nipple/Crude outline of bull in straight lines

ABC174; 15mm, 1.12g

Extremely sharp and attractive in hand.

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 48, no 12, found Ashtead, Surrey 1998, CCI 99.1328 VA 138 var.

This coin comes with a previous label.

Cantiaci

 ‘Of all the Britons the inhabitants of Kent, an entirely maritime district, are by far the most civilised, differing but little from the Gallic manner of life.’

Caesar, De Bello Gallico, book V, chapter 13.

The modern county of Kent was, according to the Romans, the homeland of the Cantiaci or Cantii. The closest portion of mainland Britain to the Continent, it is unsurprising that in the Late Iron Age the region boasted strong links with north-east France – a legacy maintained to this day, one could argue, with the continued importance of Dover and Folkestone as key cross-channel ferry ports.

Kent’s earliest Iron Age coins (and indeed, probably the earliest indigenously-produced British coins) are represented by cast bronze pieces called potins, whose alloy has a high tin content. On the basis of single finds and hoards, we know that imported gold in the form of Gallo-Belgic coinage was widely used in Kent at around the same time as the potins.

The somewhat mysterious series of uninscribed Kentish gold, including the so-called ‘Weald Net’ staters (ABC 177/BMC 2466) and ‘Corded Triangle’ quarter staters (ABC 198/BMC 2469–71) were probably struck c. 50–30/25 BC, they perhaps slightly precede a diverse group of uninscribed silver and bronze issues.

Inscribed issues belong towards the end of the Kentish coin-sequence, as is invariably the general case in Late Iron Age Britain. Their production probably began from c. 25 BC onwards and runs onward till shortly before the Claudian invasion. It is worth noting that at this time, Kent seems to have been taken over to varying extents by rulers from neighbouring regions. These rulers in turn came to issue coins in the region, even though they themselves might not originate from it, nor it reflect their main power-base.

The post Cantiaci 3rd-1st Century BC Nipples Cast Bronze Unit appeared first on Silbury Coins.