Wreath split with 3 corded lines leading to turf cutter/Disjointed horse left with 4 horizontal tails, pellets above, crab below

Rare

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ABC 755; 18mm, 5.05g

A premium coin, well struck from dies which show the eyes as small annulets below the crescents.

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 114, no 13. Found Portsmouth, Hants VA 1215

This coin comes with a previous label.

Belgae

Coin types attributed to the Belgae are extremely varied and, with one notable exception, uninscribed.

Developing onwards from two main stater types (Chute & Cheriton) are an extensive range of quarter-staters. Most common among these are two key issues – the ‘Hampshire Thunderbolt’ (ABC 767/BMC 129–36) and the stylistically more developed ‘Petersfield Wreath’ (ABC 773/BMC 568–70). A further 23 types of quarter-stater are listed by ABC, which show considerable variation in style. Many are obscenely rare, so much so that neither the cabinets of the British Museum nor those of major 20th century British collectors possessed examples. The horse is ubiquitous on the reverses of all these types, while obverses tend towards geometric designs – specifically those of cruciform appearance. Wheels, solar motifs, pellets-in-rings, stylised animals and wreaths abound here, truly reflecting the apogee of ‘Celtic’ art! Selected highlights include the ‘Huxtables Eagles’ (ABC 782/BMC 542–3 and ‘Danebury Scrolls’ types (ABC 791/BMC 539). It is worth noting that the ABC names for many types of the Belgae reference Danebury, the important Hampshire hillfort excavated by Barry Cunliffe in the later 20th century.

Silver units struck in the territory of the Belgae are even more variable than the quarter-staters. Several different stylistic ‘strands’ seem to be visible here. Some employ profile busts of a lunate appearance, which is sometimes combined with multiple crescents to represent the hair (e.g. ABC 836, 839, 923, 926) – a feature which connects them, as with Dobunnic issues, to prototypes deriving from Armorican coinage. By contrast, there are also coins with distinct, helmeted busts. These, like the East Anglian ‘Bury Diadem’, strongly evoke the bust of Roma on Roman Republican denarii. These types include the ‘Hampshire Helmet’, ‘Mossop Helmet’ and, to a lesser extent, the ‘Danebury Sunrays’ (ABC 851, 854, 866/BMC 609, 595–601). Another type whose obverse may take influence from denarii is the sole inscribed issue attributed to the Belgae – the so-called ‘Ex Head’ (ABC 995/BMC 614–28). Other types of silver unit still are entirely zoomorphic and depict only animals. Some of these are entirely conventional, such as the various ‘Danebury Boar’ variants (ABC 872, 875, 878/BMC 637), while others depict beasts of a more fantastical appearance. For example the ‘Danebury Dragon’, which displays a recurved, clawed animal on its obverse (ABC 896/BMC 631–33).

While no bronze coinage appears to be attributable to the Belgae, the group did produce fractional half-units and minims. These comprise a highly diverse suite of types characterised by their extreme rarity.

The post Belgae 1st Century BC Cheriton Smiler Gold Stater *Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Crossed wreaths, pellet in ring at centre, CRAB in angles/ Eagle standing head turned right

Extremely Rare

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ABC 1385; 13mm, 0.89g

A most attractive example of this short lived issue, often these are defaced suggesting that they weren’t popular and their rarity supports a very short lived issue. For more information click here: Silver Unit – Crab (Eagle) – Atrebates and Regini tribes – Numista

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 102, no 23. Found Newchurch, IOW 2007. CCI 08.9291 VA 1285

This coin comes with a previous label.

‘Vectuarii’

 The Isle of Wight, known as Vectis to the Romans, was inhabited by a tribe whose original name has not come down to us. While Ptolemy describes its location, he unhelpfully omits any information about the people occupying it. Although the term ‘Vectuarii’ is often promoted as a matter of convenience, the inhabitants of Wight only seem to have called themselves this well after the Romans departed Britain. The term appears in no Classical source, but instead first emerges in the 8th century writings of the historian Bede – suggesting an Anglo-Saxon origin.

In the Iron Age, Wight occupied an important, strategically significant zone straddling the spheres of influence exercised by two important, coin-issuing tribes of the mainland– the Durotriges and the Belgae. Such an advantageous location facilitated trade to the north, east and west, at least some of which may have come by way of Armorica. In consideration of this, it is perhaps unsurprising that coins struck by both the Belgae and Durotriges are prolific on the island, both as single finds and in hoards. While commercial relationships between Wight and these mainland groups are certain, it is unclear whether any political alliances were ever made.

While these coins make up most of the Iron Age issues found on the island, it is nevertheless important to note that the inhabitants of Vectis also got onboard with the process of making money – albeit to a much lesser degree than their commercial partners across the Solent. Only two coin types have thus far been identified as definite products of the ‘Vectuarii’, both of which are inscribed issues attributed to the period AD 10–40. These coins bear the name ‘CRAB’, comprising a silver unit (ABC 1385/BMC 2788) and a silver minim (ABC 1388/BMC 2789). Artistic influences derived from the Mediterranean sphere can be seen on both these types. The reverse of the unit depicts a suspiciously Roman-looking eagle, while on the obverse of the minim, the name ‘CRAB’ appears in a rectangular tablet. Cumulatively, PAS and CCI record no fewer than 12 coins of ‘CRAB’ – of which 9 have been found on Wight and the remaining 3 in close proximity within wider south-western Britain. As such, an association of ‘CRAB’ with the island is wholly indisputable.

The post Vectuarii Crab c. 10-40 BC Crab Eagle Silver Unit *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Turf cutter motif with cogwheel to each side of central corded line/Horse left with floral sun above and comet below

Excessively Rare

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ABC 770 (Plate coin); 11mm, 1.07g

This type seldom offered for sale, 8 known. Probably closely related to the Cheriton Smiler stater.

Provenance

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

SNC CIII 3, no 1625 (March 1995), ABC Plate coin.

This coin comes with a previous label.

Belgae

Coin types attributed to the Belgae are extremely varied and, with one notable exception, uninscribed.

Developing onwards from two main stater types (Chute & Cheriton) are an extensive range of quarter-staters. Most common among these are two key issues – the ‘Hampshire Thunderbolt’ (ABC 767/BMC 129–36) and the stylistically more developed ‘Petersfield Wreath’ (ABC 773/BMC 568–70). A further 23 types of quarter-stater are listed by ABC, which show considerable variation in style. Many are obscenely rare, so much so that neither the cabinets of the British Museum nor those of major 20th century British collectors possessed examples. The horse is ubiquitous on the reverses of all these types, while obverses tend towards geometric designs – specifically those of cruciform appearance. Wheels, solar motifs, pellets-in-rings, stylised animals and wreaths abound here, truly reflecting the apogee of ‘Celtic’ art! Selected highlights include the ‘Huxtables Eagles’ (ABC 782/BMC 542–3 and ‘Danebury Scrolls’ types (ABC 791/BMC 539). It is worth noting that the ABC names for many types of the Belgae reference Danebury, the important Hampshire hillfort excavated by Barry Cunliffe in the later 20th century.

Silver units struck in the territory of the Belgae are even more variable than the quarter-staters. Several different stylistic ‘strands’ seem to be visible here. Some employ profile busts of a lunate appearance, which is sometimes combined with multiple crescents to represent the hair (e.g. ABC 836, 839, 923, 926) – a feature which connects them, as with Dobunnic issues, to prototypes deriving from Armorican coinage. By contrast, there are also coins with distinct, helmeted busts. These, like the East Anglian ‘Bury Diadem’, strongly evoke the bust of Roma on Roman Republican denarii. These types include the ‘Hampshire Helmet’, ‘Mossop Helmet’ and, to a lesser extent, the ‘Danebury Sunrays’ (ABC 851, 854, 866/BMC 609, 595–601). Another type whose obverse may take influence from denarii is the sole inscribed issue attributed to the Belgae – the so-called ‘Ex Head’ (ABC 995/BMC 614–28). Other types of silver unit still are entirely zoomorphic and depict only animals. Some of these are entirely conventional, such as the various ‘Danebury Boar’ variants (ABC 872, 875, 878/BMC 637), while others depict beasts of a more fantastical appearance. For example the ‘Danebury Dragon’, which displays a recurved, clawed animal on its obverse (ABC 896/BMC 631–33).

While no bronze coinage appears to be attributable to the Belgae, the group did produce fractional half-units and minims. These comprise a highly diverse suite of types characterised by their extreme rarity.

The post Belgae 1st Century BC Cogwheel Smiler Gold Quarter Stater *Excessively Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Wreath, cloak and crescents/Wolf right, jaws open, bird on back and pellets, pellet and crescent below, beaded exergual loop

Scarce

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ABC 1393; 17mm, 6.15g

well struck on a broad flan, full wolf and surrounding detail clear. Obverse off struck but as a result full hair detail shows, 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

M Vosper, 1997. Found north of Ely, Norfolk VA 610-1

This coin comes with a previous label.

The post Iceni 1st Century BC Norfolk Wolf Right Type Gold Stater *Scarce* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Wreath, cloak and crescents/Triple tailed horse right with beaded mane, wheel below, charioteers arm over, pelletal sun in front

Extremely Rare

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ABC 761; 16mm, 4.96g

A excellent example of this seldom seen type, which likely got its name from this very coin as it was found in 1997 at Cheesefoot Head, Hampshire. 11 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 27, no 28. Found Cheesefoot Head, Hants 1997. CCI 97.0036

This coin comes with a previous label.

Belgae

Coin types attributed to the Belgae are extremely varied and, with one notable exception, uninscribed.

Developing onwards from two main stater types (Chute & Cheriton) are an extensive range of quarter-staters. Most common among these are two key issues – the ‘Hampshire Thunderbolt’ (ABC 767/BMC 129–36) and the stylistically more developed ‘Petersfield Wreath’ (ABC 773/BMC 568–70). A further 23 types of quarter-stater are listed by ABC, which show considerable variation in style. Many are obscenely rare, so much so that neither the cabinets of the British Museum nor those of major 20th century British collectors possessed examples. The horse is ubiquitous on the reverses of all these types, while obverses tend towards geometric designs – specifically those of cruciform appearance. Wheels, solar motifs, pellets-in-rings, stylised animals and wreaths abound here, truly reflecting the apogee of ‘Celtic’ art! Selected highlights include the ‘Huxtables Eagles’ (ABC 782/BMC 542–3 and ‘Danebury Scrolls’ types (ABC 791/BMC 539). It is worth noting that the ABC names for many types of the Belgae reference Danebury, the important Hampshire hillfort excavated by Barry Cunliffe in the later 20th century.

Silver units struck in the territory of the Belgae are even more variable than the quarter-staters. Several different stylistic ‘strands’ seem to be visible here. Some employ profile busts of a lunate appearance, which is sometimes combined with multiple crescents to represent the hair (e.g. ABC 836, 839, 923, 926) – a feature which connects them, as with Dobunnic issues, to prototypes deriving from Armorican coinage. By contrast, there are also coins with distinct, helmeted busts. These, like the East Anglian ‘Bury Diadem’, strongly evoke the bust of Roma on Roman Republican denarii. These types include the ‘Hampshire Helmet’, ‘Mossop Helmet’ and, to a lesser extent, the ‘Danebury Sunrays’ (ABC 851, 854, 866/BMC 609, 595–601). Another type whose obverse may take influence from denarii is the sole inscribed issue attributed to the Belgae – the so-called ‘Ex Head’ (ABC 995/BMC 614–28). Other types of silver unit still are entirely zoomorphic and depict only animals. Some of these are entirely conventional, such as the various ‘Danebury Boar’ variants (ABC 872, 875, 878/BMC 637), while others depict beasts of a more fantastical appearance. For example the ‘Danebury Dragon’, which displays a recurved, clawed animal on its obverse (ABC 896/BMC 631–33).

While no bronze coinage appears to be attributable to the Belgae, the group did produce fractional half-units and minims. These comprise a highly diverse suite of types characterised by their extreme rarity.

The post Belgae 1st Century BC Cheesefoot Head Gold Stater *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Vine leaf, VI to left, RI to right/Warrior on horse holding shield and spear, C O F around

Scarce

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ABC 1193; 17mm, 5.33g

Choice for issue, clear inscriptions both sides, well struck on a good flan, 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

M Vosper, 1998  VA 520

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 Vine Leaf Viri Gold Stater *Scarce* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Thunderbolt with COM above and FILI below/Horse right, VIR above

Very Rare

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ABC 1205; 9mm, 1.32g

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 Trenerry FPL March/April 1994, no D104 VA 468-1

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 Thunderbolt Gold Quarter Stater *Very Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Vine leaf, VERI around/Warrior holding spear and sword on horse right, REX below

Excessively Rare

View Video Here

ABC 1211 (plate coin); 10mm, 1.32g

The first of this type we have offered for sale, a rare oppertunity to secure a genuine rarity in the series. 6 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

Spink PT, 1996  Seaby plate coin (1999-?, S 128), ABC plate coin, VA 525

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 Vine Leaf Rex Gold Quarter Stater *Excessively Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Outline crescents back to back each side of wreath/Horse right, pellet on rump, ladder mane, floral sun below, uncertain object above

Extremely Rare

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ABC626; 10mm, 1.19g

well struck and attractive in hand. 18 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

Spink PT, 1997. DK page 181, illustration 188 (renamed ‘Triple line crescents’) VA 250-1

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 Two Crescents Gold Quarter Stater *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.

Diademed head right with flame like hair/Triple tailed horse right, with human head above and boar below

Extremely Rare

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ABC644 (plate coin); 15mm, 1.39g

well struck on a broad flan, a premium example of this interesting 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

SNC CII 3, no 2074, 1994. ABC plate coin

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 Chichester Boar Silver Unit *Extremely Rare* appeared first on Silbury Coins.