Lot 4653

Description

Ancient British, North Thames Region, Tasciovanos, Inscribed coins, Tasciovanos Warrior VER type, (c.25 B.C.-10 A.D.), gold stater, (5.38 g), obv. crossed-wreath motif with two opposed crescents and four ringed-pellets at centre forming hidden faces, VER in small letters around rev. warrior riding to right, holding carnyx in right hand, TASC around, wheel in front and behind, (S.218, ABC 2568, Van A 1734, NT 7, BMC 1623-24, M 156, CCI 78.0022 [this coin]). Solid flan of high rose gold, beautiful wreath with clear letters, full carnyx on reverse, extremely fine and extremely rare, one of the finest known.

Private purchase from Chris Rudd, list 116, #42.



Ex C.Lister Collection with old ticket.



Rainer Kretz notes that this piece belongs to the series Obv. A-C1, Rev. IV A and was produced at the height of Tasciovanos' power. The complex design on the obverse is a fascinating example of Celtic symmetrical design and the legend VER indicates Verlamion. The reverse shows the dynamic design of the horse and warrior later in the series and is unusual with the full depiction of the carnyx above.



This is an extremely rare piece, Rainer Kretz recorded a total of 9 examples with this die combination. It is also the cover coin of Chris Rudd's printed list 116, March 2011.