Summary

Gold coin; Denomination 1/4 Stater, Issued by the Ambiani Tribe, circa 125 BC.

This coin is from a series termed Gallo-Belgic A (Ambiani). Celtic coins used in Britain are referred to by reference to their place of manufacture, Gallo-Belgic coins were struck in what is today France and British coins in Southern England. The letters A, B etc following the issue designator indicate the chronological order of production as determined by archaeological and coin hoard studies, A being earliest, B next and so on. If an issuing tribe name is known it is added in brackets at the end. This coin was therefore struck in ancient Gaul and was of the type argued to be part of the first invasion, or large scale movement of people from France to England, the tribe involved were the Ambiani. Six such movements are identified from the coins. There is no historical record of these movements although they are suggested in Julius Caesar's commentary on his Gallic wars (see Commentarii de Bello Gallico 2.4, 5.12) when he notes support from Britain and fugitives fleeing to Belgic settlements in Britain. This was one of the reasons for his invasion in 55 and 54 BC.

Obverse Description

The head of Apollo but, as the die was larger than the coin, only his hair, laurel wreath, eye and the top of his neck are clear.

Reverse Description

A horse advancing to the left with a crudely formed figure of winged Nike flying above.

Edge Description

plain

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Numismatics & Philately

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976

  • Acknowledgement

    Purchased, Felton Bequest, 1929

  • Date Issued

    circa 125 BC

  • Issued By

    Ambiani Tribe, Ambiani, France, circa 125 BC
    Issued by the Ambiani tribe in Gaul and brought to Southern England by settlers. Circulated in both Gaul and Britain.

  • Denomination

    1/4 Stater

  • Series

    Celtic

  • Material

    Gold

  • Axis

    11

  • Classification

    Coins, Great britain - ambiani, Working strikes

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Numismatics

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Overall Dimensions

    14 mm (Outside Diameter), 1.786 g (Weight)

  • Shape

    Round

  • References

    [Link 1]
    [Book] Mack, R. P. 1975. The Coinage of Ancient Britain., p.3, No.4 Pages
    [Book] Evans, John. 1864. The Coins of the Ancient Britons., A.5 Pages
    [Book] Skingley, Philip. 2007. Coins of England and the United Kingdom., p.1, No.7 Pages

  • Keywords

    Celtic Art