Coinage of Celtic Britain from Julius Caesar until the invasion of Claudius

Sunday, 2 May, 2021:

Please excuse the thread title change and the truncated scope of this thread - I am not able to physically complete it as I envisioned, sorry.

James
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Here is an excellent reference relating to the coinage of Celtic Britain during the time period covered in this thread:

https://oldcurrencyexchange.com/2015/03/31/the-mystical-coins-of-the-celtic-tribes-of-britain
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Britannic/Celtic coin - bronze unit - minted under the auspices of Cuno Belinus (chieftain of the Catuvellauni/Trinovantes tribe).

ABC 1938; Van Arsdell 2091, 15.27 mm, 2.14 gram, circa. 9-40 AD
Ex Marc Breitsprecher, Classical Numismatist


Obverse depiction: head of Native British warrior (Cuno Belinus?) wearing Roman “sporting” helmet, facing right.

Obverse inscription: CVNO (left) BELINVS (right)

Reverse depiction: Sow standing in field facing right
Inscription: TASCIIOVANII (son of the Corieltavi “King”) - (F in exergue)


A Britannic/Celtic coin with a possible historical connection to the Claudius invasion of Britain:


British Celtic coin - uniface silver unit - minted by the Corieltavi tribe
ABC 1938; Van Arsdell 914, 15.27 mm, .99 gram, circa. 15-40 AD

Obverse depiction: none (plain surface).

Reverse depiction: stylized horse galloping left (head of horse off flan, left).
Inscription: AVN above, [CO - obliterated] below (AVN COST - Corieltavi king).


Illustrating head of horse (and AVN)
on flan of a better centered coin.

Cataloged in the British Museum collection:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_1991-1110-138

This coin is contemporary with the Queen of the Brigantes tribe, Cartimandua, and her association with the conquest of Britain by Claudius and his Generals. This coin could possibly have been used by her tribe who did not mint their own coins but who were close allies with the Corieltavi tribe and traded extensively with them.

Background information: The Time Travellers (UK) Brigantes study group:
http://www.thetimetravellers.org.uk/brigantes-group.ht

 

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That's a super coil new coin @jamesicus ! I think I would guess that your first coin was some type of Spanish or imitative quadrans type thing. Or is that what they were actually going for?

 

Trinovantes & Catuvellauni, Cunobelin. AD 10-43, Camulodunum Mint. AV Stater: 5.42 gm, 18 mm, 12 h. ABC 2786, Van Arsdell 2010-1. Ex CNG Triton XXIV, lot 1365, Ex Dix Noonan Web 114, lot 1281, Sept. 2013

 

Thank you for that excellent post, Al. I apologize to you and other CT members who have posted in response to this topic: I am experiencing great difficulty responding to posts at present (medical) but hope to recover soon.

 

@jamesicus.......OOOh that is a Lovely looking coin James! Wonderful green patina!...

I really do like this type and it's very high on my want list!!..

Appreciate your help previously with my first ever Celtic coin which I'll add to your thread (hope you dont mind).....Will sit down this evening and read through the links you've provided, they do look interesting!....Thanks.

Do hope you're feeling better....Paul

Britannia, Trinovantes & Catuvellauni. Cunobelin. Circa 9-41 AD. AE Unit (2.437 g, 14mm).
Obv: Winged head left, CVNO in front, BELIN behind.
Rev: Metal worker, presumably the smith god known as Sucellus in parts of Gaul, sitting on a solid seat with a detached upright back, holding an L-shaped hammer in his right hand, left hand holding a metal bowl, there is always a distinct bun of hair behind the smith's head, TASCIO (Tascionus his father) behind, beaded border.
Van Arsdell 2097; ABC 2969; SCBC 342. Hobbs 1972-83;..VF.

 

Thank you @Spaniard - mine also, I hope you find one soon.

It actually should be me thanking you for your great post @Spaniard. It inspired me to “get cracking” with this thread. I hoped you would add the substance of your post here - thank you for doing that.

Thank you, Paul - I am feeling a little better just slowly writing this - these episodes pass eventually

James

 

James, You're right on, that's an excellent article with a wealth of info . I had a copy of it in my data base . Early this year I sprung & bought a copy of Chris Rudd's ABC Book, that also has a wealth of info . Stay healthy.

 

Thanks Al. I own Chris Rudd’s book also - in my opinion the best reference of all. I have a coin on the way from him - I will post a pic of it when it arrives.

James

 

I usually refrain from drifting off-topic in my postings - but I couldn’t resist ………

I was not aware the British/Celtic residents of the Isle-Of-Man minted their own coins during this time period. Now that I am aware, I am lusting to own one, for I have such fond (nostalgic) memories from my miss-spent youth of great vacations there (and the TT races). Might as well tempt fate and go for a Manx cat ……………



…………… no tail - kinda hop like a bunny rabbit - sweet disposition (like me:

 

Following is a link to an interesting read relating to ADMINIUS, a banished chieftain of the Catuvellauni tribe, who’s claim to fame are his travels to Italy/Rome in order to persuade CALIGULA to invade Celtic Britain during that Emperor’s reign.

https://www.wikizero.com/en/Adminius

 

The coin arrived from Britain in yesterday’s afternoon mail. Superb packaging - very professional.

Handheld iPad snapshots of the essential contents:

h


I will post the usual close-up pics of the coin as soon as I am able.

James

 

.......... In the meantime, here is the coin description: dark green patina. Obverse: CVNOBELINI inscribed in two surmounted horizontal panels. Reverse: seated personification of winged Victory facing left.

 

Obverse and reverse:



Better photos with captions to follow.

 

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Not much information relating to Cartimandua is available online. Here is one very good read:
https://www.amazon.com/Cartimandua-Brigantes-Nicki-Howarth-Pollard/dp/075244705X


James