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CatuvellauniTribe
Silverstater
卡圖維拉尼部落
銀斯塔特
Item number: A378
Year: AD 20-40
Material: Silver
Size: 14.0 x 12.0 x 1.0 mm
Weight: 0.85 g
Provenance: Noonans 2022
This stater silver coin was minted by the Catuvellauni Celtic tribe in southeastern England during the Iron Age, a period before the complete Roman conquest of England. The coin is characterised by distinct Celtic motifs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic people.
The obverse of the coin depicts two totemic beasts facing right, though damage to the coin’s surface obscures their full appearance. Based on the remaining features, the slender creature above is likely a running deer, while the stockier, hoofed animal below appears to be a wild boar. To the left, there is a quintessentially Celtic design, composed of two concentric circles and connecting lines.
The reverse of the coin features a geometric pattern composed of circles and round beads, alongside two horses depicted with exaggerated circular knees. The smaller, more complete horse is positioned below, while the taller, less complete horse appears above.
This stater was unearthed in the present-day Berkshire region in southern England, specifically in Abingdon-on-Thames, which now falls under the jurisdiction of Oxfordshire. Historically, Abingdon served as the county town of Berkshire. Archaeological excavations have revealed human activity in the area dating back to the Paleolithic era.
During the Iron Age, Abingdon became a significant agricultural and commercial hub due to its strategic location. It is likely that this stater was crafted by local artisans in this area.
Between 55 BC and 54 BC, Julius Caesar led Roman legions on two expeditions into southern England. Although Caesar did not annex England into the Roman Empire, these incursions initiated a period of interaction between the Celtic tribes of southern England and Rome. It was not until AD 43 that Emperor Claudius commissioned Aulus Plautius to lead an invasion that successfully subdued the Catuvellauni and other Celtic tribes in southern England. This campaign resulted in the establishment of a Roman province and the consolidation of Roman rule in the region.
Creighton, J. (2000). Conclusion and epilogue: from Britain to Britannia. In Coins and Power in Late Iron Age Britain (pp. 216–221). Cambridge University Press.