Lot 4989

Description

Gaul, Celtic issue, Southeast Gaul, "Monnaies a la Croix" types, issues of the Tolosates, Volcae Arecomici and Ruteni, Mid-late 2nd century B.C., silver drachms, (2.94 [illustrated], 2.51, 2.59, 2.20 grams), obv. Celticized head left, second with two dolphins before, rev. quadripartite design, with crescents or other symbols in outer portion of each angle of the cross, first with angles,of axe and open grain. (cf.Saväs for similar types; CCCBM II 57, 60, 73, 97; cf.de la Tour 3132 - 3204). Irregular square flan shapes, fine - good fine. (4)

Ex Ross Kaires Collection. The "Monnaies Ö la Croix" originated as Spanish copies of the rose drachms of the Greek colony of Rhodes of the 3rd century BC. By the end of the 2nd century crude drachms were being struck by many of the Celtic tribes in southern Gaul, and the croix had become the standard currency across the region.