6
Fishtail Cross. Belgae. c.55-45 BC. Celtic gold quarter stater. 13mm. 1.29g.
1/2
Auctioneer has chosen not to publish the price of this lot
Norwich, Norfolk
Description
Fishtail Cross. Belgae. c.55-45 BC. Gold quarter stater. 13mm. 1.29g. Central cogwheel with ‘fish-tail cross design, ‘bear’s paws’ in angles./ Triple-tailed horse left, beaded mane, pellets around rump, large wheel above, beaded-ring with central pellet below, row of pellets behind. ABC 788 var., VA−, BMC 544, DK 272 var., S−. PAS: SUR-C1BFA4 (this coin), BNJ Coin Register, 2019, p.272 (this coin). VF/Good VF, golden gold, lovely horse, well ornamented. Found North Waltham, Hampshire, 2018. EXCESSIVELY RARE only four others recorded, this variant with beaded tail UNIQUE?
This is one of an extraordinary range of local fractional coinages issued in brief, intensive episodes in Hampshire and West Sussex in the 40s BC (Sills DK p.240). Classification is critically dependent upon finds distribution, and this coin’s PAS record confirms that its author was probably most active in the northern reaches of lands ascribed to the Hampshire Belgae. It is of good, full weight for its type, suggesting sufficient reserves for current purposes, and is freshly struck from dies whose condition suggests events at a hard-pressed local mint. ABC 788 was originally designed and cut by an imaginative master engraver. Its obverse was one of those shield-like patterns that incorporated emblems of heraldic significance - crucial in a pre-literate environment. Four bold, peaked, paw-like motifs, each with three auspicious “fingers”, represent the Belgic sun-god’s flaming hair-curls on stater coinages, and make a rotating background to support an upper design that turns like ornamental spokes around the still point of a central cogwheel - itself most probably insignia of a senior regional authority. Its fishtail arches, one for each cardinal direction, had dots set close below them making watchful faces with prominent eyebrows or horns, whichever way you turn the coin. The reverse had the heavy-rimmed sun-chariot wheel of the regional stater coinage, and a ring-pole for the horse (off the flan on this striking). But when heavy use of overworked dies was giving indistinct impressions, a second artist cleaned and reworked them, producing this variant design. With a light touch, they clarified and reinforced essentials: the sun-god’s hair-curls, the chariot-wheel, and the horse with its upturned, serpentine mane - but its original flowing triple tail was ignored, and instead we see an infill of linear dotted patterns around its hind quarters, just like Hampshire thin silver units (ABC 911). Still distinctively Hampshire-Belgic, but different. This is the first example recorded through the PAS: SUR-C1BFA4 (this coin).
Auction Details
Shipping
T&Cs & Important Info
Ask seller a question
Fishtail Cross. Belgae. c.55-45 BC. Gold quarter stater. 13mm. 1.29g. Central cogwheel with ‘fish-tail cross design, ‘bear’s paws’ in angles./ Triple-tailed horse left, beaded mane, pellets around rump, large wheel above, beaded-ring with central pellet below, row of pellets behind. ABC 788 var., VA−, BMC 544, DK 272 var., S−. PAS: SUR-C1BFA4 (this coin), BNJ Coin Register, 2019, p.272 (this coin). VF/Good VF, golden gold, lovely horse, well ornamented. Found North Waltham, Hampshire, 2018. EXCESSIVELY RARE only four others recorded, this variant with beaded tail UNIQUE?
This is one of an extraordinary range of local fractional coinages issued in brief, intensive episodes in Hampshire and West Sussex in the 40s BC (Sills DK p.240). Classification is critically dependent upon finds distribution, and this coin’s PAS record confirms that its author was probably most active in the northern reaches of lands ascribed to the Hampshire Belgae. It is of good, full weight for its type, suggesting sufficient reserves for current purposes, and is freshly struck from dies whose condition suggests events at a hard-pressed local mint. ABC 788 was originally designed and cut by an imaginative master engraver. Its obverse was one of those shield-like patterns that incorporated emblems of heraldic significance - crucial in a pre-literate environment. Four bold, peaked, paw-like motifs, each with three auspicious “fingers”, represent the Belgic sun-god’s flaming hair-curls on stater coinages, and make a rotating background to support an upper design that turns like ornamental spokes around the still point of a central cogwheel - itself most probably insignia of a senior regional authority. Its fishtail arches, one for each cardinal direction, had dots set close below them making watchful faces with prominent eyebrows or horns, whichever way you turn the coin. The reverse had the heavy-rimmed sun-chariot wheel of the regional stater coinage, and a ring-pole for the horse (off the flan on this striking). But when heavy use of overworked dies was giving indistinct impressions, a second artist cleaned and reworked them, producing this variant design. With a light touch, they clarified and reinforced essentials: the sun-god’s hair-curls, the chariot-wheel, and the horse with its upturned, serpentine mane - but its original flowing triple tail was ignored, and instead we see an infill of linear dotted patterns around its hind quarters, just like Hampshire thin silver units (ABC 911). Still distinctively Hampshire-Belgic, but different. This is the first example recorded through the PAS: SUR-C1BFA4 (this coin).
Chris Rudd Auction 177
Ends from
Venue Address
PO Box 1500
Norwich
Norfolk
NR10 5WS
United Kingdom
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
Postage & packing will be added to all invoices. Unless specified otherwise all UK orders sent by Special Delivery. Orders up to £1000 cost £15, over £1000 cost £20. European orders sent International Signed For delivery £15, USA/Canada £25, Rest of World £20.
Important Information
Please read our terms and conditions before bidding.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions for Chris Rudd Auctions
These terms are summarised. Liz will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please email liz@celticcoins.com or phone 01263 735 007 or 07990 840 816.
Our estimated value of each lot is given in the catalogue and online. Bidding starts at 80% of this estimate. Estimates shown in BLACK, Starting Prices shown in RED.
How to bid via Internet.Our Auction is conducted online via www.the-saleroom.com If you wish to bid you must ‘Create an account’ and you will receive an email link confirmation of Registration. This must be activated prior to bidding. You must register to bid for each auction. If you are a new bidder in our sale, please provide numismatic credit references and credit/debit card details to secure any bids you may place. Client data is confidential; we do not share our mailing list or client information unless authorised. We reserve the right to revoke any bids and registrations, restrict accesses, and modify or disable the site or any of its features, at our discretion. We do not make any guarantees regarding accessibility, accuracy, or security of this website with regard to registration of bidding. All financial transactions will be carried out by ourselves, the-saleroom.com requests card information for security reasons and will not debit your card.
How to bid by phone or email. In addition to internet bidding, you may bid by mailing the bid sheet included with each catalogue, or by email or telephone. If you choose to telephone your bids, we appreciate a written follow-up. Bids must be received by 12 midday (UK time) Friday 16 July, after this time we cannot guarantee that bids will be placed. If you wish for any guidance regarding current bids please contact Liz. Online bidding continues until the lot closes at 5pm (UK time) Sunday 18 July.
Bidding increments. Lots will be sold to the highest bidder for the winning bid. Bidding automatically increases in fixed increments, so you can enter your maximum bid and let our system do the bidding for you. Please ensure your bids comply with the steps outlined below:
Up to £500 in £20 increments
£500-£1000 in £50 increments
£1000-£2000 in £100 increments
£2000-£5000 in £200 increments
Over £5000 in £500 increments
If you enter a high maximum bid you will win at the current bid amount plus increment. Whole number bids only. Bidders personally guarantee that they will pay for their winning bids.
The first lot will close electronically at 5pm (UK time) on the sale date, with subsequent lots closing every 30 seconds thereafter. Please note: Sniper bids are not allowed. If you bid within the last 10 minutes the lot closing the time will extend by 10 minutes on that lot, from the time of bid.
Personal viewing of lots by appointment only. Please contact Liz to arrange.
How to pay. A 20% buyers fee (24% inc. VAT if applicable at the current rate), will be added to the hammer price of all successful online, written, fax, email and phone bids. Bids are placed in GB£ Sterling. Payment is preferred by direct transfer in £ Sterling (GB£): Chris Rudd Ltd Account Number: 63406857, Sort Code: 20-03-26 or by cheque, postal orders, cash (GB£). Or by International bank transfer to Barclays Bank PLC, Market Place, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6EW. IBAN: GB14 BARC 2003 2663 4068 57. SWIFTBIC: BARCGB22. Please ensure all charges are paid or add £6 to cover EU charges, £12 International charges. Visa, MasterCard or debit card accepted. We also accept US$ cheques with $25 bank fee added. Goods remain our property until paid in full. VAT no. GB 665532227.
Winning lots will be sent as soon as possible after receipt of payment on seven days approval. If you aren’t happy with a coin, please phone before returning it. Prices realised are available by subscription via the-saleroom.com
Postage & packing will be added to all invoices. Unless specified otherwise all UK orders sent by Special Delivery £12. European orders sent International Signed For delivery £15, USA/Canada, £25, Rest of World £20.
Privacy Your details are securely held and will not be shared. They will be retained for processing orders and marketing. Please let us know if you don’t wish to be contacted. You can do this at any time.
Export licences are needed for some coins and can take 4-6 weeks to get. Their purpose is to curb the export of national treasures.
