Catuvellauni & Trinovantes, Cunobelin c. AD 10-40 Gold Stater – Excessively rare

Catuvellauni & Trinovantes, Cunobelin, gold Stater, c. AD 10-40, Classic Crescent type, Class 7d. Obv. Corn ear flanked by CA MV. Rev. Horse rearing facing right, crescent above, CVNO below. 5.39g, die axis 5h (ABC 2801; DK 570; S. -; VA -). A small mark to the back of the horse, otherwise both sides well centered, on nice gold with a pleasing light tone over problem free fields, a remarkable coin offered in a fabulous state of preservation, the second top realising coin in the distinguished collection of Geoff Cottam. A superb piece with excellent eye appeal. Excessively rare.

The ABC Plate Coin
The Divided Kingdoms Plate Coin

With old ticket.

Provenance
Ex. Geoff Cottam Collection, Spink Auction 15049, 02/12/2015, Lot 373 (hammer £8000)
Ex. DNW Auction, 05/10/2009, Lot 5148
Found near Slough, Berkshire

Recorded with the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, CCI, number 04.2177

There are only five known Classic Crescent types in total. Three large crescents (see our other Cunobelin listing) and two Small Crescents. Every other type/class for Cunobelin is relatively abundant apart from the excessively rare Class 7d, to which this and our other offering belongs.

Arguably one of the most important coins in the whole series of British Coinage. Given the prominence of Cunobelin as one of the most famous British iron age kings, described by the Romans as “King of the Britons” and Shakespears Cymbeline. Father of Caratacus and Togodubnus who led the resistance during the roman conquest. It was Cunobelin’s death and the subsequent fall out that directly led to the Roman invasion.This in my opinion is the most important stater of Cunobelin in existence. One of only three recorded classic types with a large crescent and the finest and most provenanced example.

John Sills believes that Class 7d staters along with Class 8 staters due to the scarcity are very likely posthumous coins issued by either Caratacus or Togodubnus. He speculates further that the crescent on Class 7d above the horse and also on the horses head could even perhaps be commemorative or signifying the kings death. The “Cunobelin Classic” staters in general are considered pretty much the pinnacle of Celtic die engraving however the class 7d coins actually go a step further in detail and realness and could be considered thus the pinnacle of the Classic series.