Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Durotrigan Tribe Chute Type Gold Stater
杜羅特里吉部落傘型金斯塔特
Item number: A385
Year: 65 BC
Material: Gold
Size: 16.6 x 16.2 x 2.7 mm
Weight: 6.3 g
Provenance: Noonans 2022
This item is a Durotrigan Chute Type gold stater struck circa 65 BC. The obverse displays an abstract laureate head of Apollo facing right. At the same time, the reverse features a disjointed horse facing left, adorned with a stylized “crab” above which intricate pellet detailing is incorporated.
Durotrigan coinage is the most prevalent among the coinage found on the Isle of Wight, primarily concentrated in two main areas. According to Imogen Wellington, author of “Iron Age Coinage on the Isle of Wight,” the first area was along the central chalk ridge of the island, situated on non-agricultural upland downs. The other significant distribution area for Durotrigan units was along the western coast of the island. The notable western concentration correlates well with Late Iron Age pottery finds from the Isle of Wight, which predominantly feature southwestern pottery like Poole Harbour ware, primarily found on the south and western sides of the island.
The Durotriges inhabited territories spanning Dorset, parts of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. According to R. D. Van Arsdell, author of Celtic Coinage of Britain, the design of the first coinage issued by the Durotriges was influenced by southern British tribes, such as the Atrebates, as they were still part of the southern British economy. These coins circulated beyond the Durotriges’ tribal borders.
However, the influence of southern Britain soon waned, as the tribe transitioned to an Armorican-style silver coinage by the middle of the Gallic War.
After their first issues, the Durotriges began to maintain extensive trading contacts with the Armorican peninsula, resulting in their coinage differing significantly from that of other British tribes. Armorican coins were primarily composed of silver and billon, contrasting with the predominantly gold composition of Durotrigan coinage after their initial issues. This shift suggests economic isolation, as Durotrigan coins circulated less beyond tribal boundaries over time.
The reasons for this shift remain uncertain—whether due to the preferences of their Armorican partners or scarcity of gold bullion. By the time of the Gallic War, Durotrigan reliance on silver coins was exclusive, exacerbated by disruption in continental trade following Roman conquests in Armorica. Concurrently, competition from other tribes in Britain marginalized Durotrigan access to broader British trade networks. Consequently, Durotrigan silver coins ceased circulation around 30 BC, replaced by increasingly crude bronze staters. The smaller silver denominations disappeared entirely.
Durotrigan coinage likely ceased by the mid-40s AD, as Vespasian’s legions conquered tribal territories during the Roman invasion. The tribe resisted fiercely, leading to suppression of their coinage. Durotrigan coins are occasionally found in late Roman hoards, though likely as curiosities rather than actively circulating currency at the time of deposit.