Gallo-Belgic Broad Flan or Gallo-Belgic A is one of the most beautiful gold staters in the iron age tribal series of coinages. Like the Parisii gold staters it is struck in golden gold on an exceptionally large flan which gives the engraver ample scope to express himself. In return he gives us an amazing interpretation of the head of Apollo which lifts it from the rather staid portrait on earlier Philippus copies to an entirely new dimension. This depiction of the sun-god radiates greater power and presence by encircling his well sculpted face first with three lunar crescents and then with a skyfull of flowing hair whose boisterous profusion is barely held in place by the long wreath of laurel leaves. This is more than a head of the northern Apollo; it's a bust of the northern Apollo, enrobed in a copious decorated cloak - far grander and more glorious than any Mediterranean version. This Gallo-Belgic portrayal of Apollo seems to transcend gender; it's neither obviously male nor overtly female. A tour de force of iron age tribal art. Chris Rudd May list.                               2.4.07