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This
amazing Chubby Cheek gold half
stater, which is actually the
size of a full stater (18mm),
was struck c.80-50 BC by the
Aulerci Eburovices. They were a
Celtic tribe of Upper Normandy
who gave their name to modern
Evreux and whose tribal
territory corresponded to the
department of Eure. Aulerci
means 'those who are far away
from their tracks', in other
words, people who came from
another country, and Eburovices
literally means 'those who
conquer by the yew,' which
presumably means those who fight
with bows or spears made from
yew trees. Both sides of this
extraordinary gold hemistater
represent a splendidly crafted
work of art by an inspired
Celtic engraver. Please note
that there is an inverted boar
on the neck on the obverse and
that the charioteer/rider on the
reverse is beginning to take on
a somewhat birdlike appearance.
This coin is minted in gorgeous
rose-gold and is one the
handsomest gold coins to come
out of Gallia Celtica. It's a
scarce type rarely seen in
British or American catalogues -
indeed, it's the first we've
had.
Chris Rudd September List.
1.9.09 |
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