Dear Board,
There has been a lot of very interesting threads lately, this being one of them. Being
Christmas, I thought I would share a little something also. I
hope cartoon lions are allowed!
Celtic, Unknown tribe of southern Gaul(?). Circa 2nd century BC. AR
Drachm (16mm, 4.42 g.). Imitating Massalia.
Obverse: Wreathed
head of nymph right; her pendant earring having possibly been reinterpreted as hair(!).
Reverse: ΜΑΣΣΑ,
lion walking left; diamond-shaped symbol below.
References: Cf. Triton IX, lot 666, for likely prototype.
Comments: Found in Whitfield, in
Kent,
England, probably in early or mid January of 2011. A very heavy, early imitation that is superior to the
average work of the Insubres and/or Salluvi. Cut in
antiquity for possible recycling. The bright silvery interior indicates the coin is silver through and through.
Best regards,
Mark Fox
Michigan