Celtic - Amorica - Osismii - Quarter Stater > Lot No. 043

Description:
C. 1st century BC. Armorica. Osismii Corisopites. Electrum Quarter Stater. Obv: profile bust left with ornate hair curls. Rev: human-headed horse left with bird above and bull right below. Scarce.

Measurements:
1.44 grams.

Condition:
Fine.

References:
De La Tour XXII, 6584; de Jersey p. 85-6; Scheers 'série au taureau', bull type; Ascribed to Coriosopites by De La Tour.

Comments notes:
This coin type originates from Finistere, in the west of Brittany, and is one of a complex series of coinages attributed to the tribe of the Osismii. The reverse bears the human-headed horse which is depicted on many of the Celtic coins from Brittany and Normandy, the area also known as Armorica. Beneath this horse is a bull/cow. The bird on the horse's back may depict an eagle. A few examples have been found in the UK (see CCI 97.0986 for another example of this type).

Export licence:
No

Low estimate: £100
High estimate: £200

Auction date: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £125