Item number: A214
Year: 60-50 BC
Material: Gold
Size: 17.2 x 17.0 x 3.0 mm
Weight: 6.15 g
Provenance: Künker 2022
This Type E gold stater, weighing 6.15 g, was minted between 60 BC and 50 BC by the Ambiani tribe, who resided in the Gallo-Belgic region during the Gallic Wars. The obverse of the coin presents an undecorated surface with vestiges of pitting and irregular depressions, while the reverse features a horse running to the right, adorned with surrounding ornaments.
Dr. John Sills, an expert in Iron Age coinage, categorizes Gallo-Belgic coins into several types, including Gallo-Belgic A, C, E, F, and G. He notes that the production of Gallo-Belgic C coins ceased with the onset of the Gallic Wars, when Caesar commenced his campaigns in Gaul. These were succeeded by Gallo-Belgic E coins, arguably the most extensive series minted by the Celts. According to John Andrew Talbot’s doctoral thesis, this type has been discovered throughout East Anglia, appearing in seven hoards, two of which also included Icenian JA staters. This prevalence suggests that Type E played a significant role in the region’s familiarity with gold coinage. Although stylistically, Type C served as the prototype for the obverse of its initial stater.
The Ambiani, to whom these coins are attributed, lived the Somme valley. Historical records suggest they mobilized ten thousand warriors to confront Caesar. Their principal settlement, Samarobriva, later known as Ambiani, is believed to have been located at what is now modern-day Amiens.
In 55 BC, during the Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar convened a council of leading Gauls at Samarobriva. The following year, he left Marcus Crassus and a legion to oversee the hostages, grain supplies, archives, and heavy baggage stored there. He himself spent the winter of 54 to 53 BC with three legions in nearby camps, using them as bases for military operations against the Nervii and Menapii.
