Eastern Europe. Imitation of Macedonian, First Meris 200-100 BC.
Tetradrachm AR

33 mm, 16,90 g

Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, with bow and quiver over shoulder; all in center of Macedonian shield / MAKEΔONΩN / ΠPΩTHΣ, club; monogram above; all within oak wreath; thunderbolt to left.

Very Fine

Lanz 1009.

Celtic imitation coins refer to counterfeit or replica coins created by Celtic tribes during ancient times. These imitations were often produced in regions where the Celtic culture interacted with the Greek and Roman Empire and its currency. Celtic tribes, not having their own coinage, sometimes attempted to replicate coins using their own artistic style and local materials. These imitation coins served as a form of local currency within Celtic communities and were used for trade. Celtic imitation coins typically featured simplified or stylized versions of motifs and legends, reflecting the limited resources and artistic skills of the Celtic tribes. While not as refined as the original coins, these imitations provide valuable insights into the interactions between different cultures and the economic dynamics of the time. They showcase how Celtic societies adapted to the monetary systems of their neighbors while infusing their own cultural elements into the coin designs.