Heritage Auctions

Auction 61473  –  11 February 2025

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Heritage Auctions, Auction 61473

World Coins - British Empire

Tu, 11.02.2025, from 2:00 AM CET
Pre bids are accepted until:
Mo, 10.02.2025, until 2:00 PM CET
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Description

BRITAIN. Durotriges. Ca. 60-20 BC. AR stater (17mm, 4h). NGC VF. Durotrigan E, Abstract (Cranborne Chase type). Devolved and Celticized head of Apollo right / Disjointed horse left with rectangular head; pellets above back, pellet below, pellet in lozenge above tail. Van Arsdell 1235-1 (58-45 BC). ABC 2157. The Durotriges were a robust Celtic tribe inhabiting a region that contains modern-day Dorset, South Somerset, South Wiltshire, and Devon in England prior to the Roman invasion. Their seclusion from the Roman rule for a considerable period enabled them to retain their distinctive cultural matrix. Archaeologists have unearthed compelling testimony of their complex societies, rich in agricultural production and skillful iron work. Their coinage, notable for intricate designs, served not just as a medium for trade, but also functioned as a symbol of their political autonomy. The bold imagery of stylized figures and familiar motifs on these coins reflects their dedication to artisanal persistence and the indigenous cultural elements. Their eventual assimilation under the Roman rule is marked by inevitable cultural collation, but the unique historical echoes of Durotriges remain embodied today in their surviving archaeological evidence. Celtic staters, minted by various tribes that populated regions of Britain and Gaul, display a broad array of designs, reflecting a colorful medley of cultural influences. Crafted mainly of gold or silver, these coins served the dual purpose of facilitating trade and embodying the distinct aesthetic and symbolic trends of the Celts. Often stylizing motifs borrowed from the coinage of Greek city-states and the Roman Republic, the Celtic interpretation can move between abstract to more representational. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

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