Obolos 1

CELTIC BRITAIN, Catuvellauni. Andoco, c. 20-1 BC. Stater (Gold, 16-18mm, 5.40 g). Crossed wreaths with two pairs of opposed filling ornaments. Rev. AND - O Horse prancing to right; above left, bucranium and ring of pellets; below, curious sea-serpent like ornament. ABC 2715. BMC 2012-14. VA 1860. Very rare. A clear example, though lightly struck. Very fine.

From the Cologny Collection, ex Rudd List 90, November 2006, 46.

Found in St. Albans, CCI 06-0436. This type is termed “Phallic Bucranium” in the literature - it seems that British scholars have active imaginations!! What is especially interesting about the present example is the elaborate, albeit uncertain, object in the reverse exergue: no clear identification can be suggested at present, even though it should be stressed that this piece allows us to see the exergue and its contents more clearly than any other (other known pieces are better in overall condition but lack this area of the design). A dragon or sea monster seems to be the most likely identification.