Equestrian images are not common on ancient British coins. But the horseman on this superb Verica Vine Leaf gold stater is distinctly different. There are 'steps' below the horse. At first I thought the steps were meant to indicate that the composition was statuesque and that the 'steps' were part of the plinth of the statue. But then I recalled the hillforts and defended enclosures of iron age Britain and realised that what the engraver was probably trying to convey was an action picture of a fully armed cavalryman leaping across a ditch. If this was indeed the idea behind the design, then it is a unique depiction of an iron age horseman in action - every bit as unusual as the big vine leaf on the other side of the coin. Chris Rudd September list.                                                                                                            17.9.07