Aulerci Cenomani, Stater, 2nd-1st century BC
Gold - EF(40-45) - Delestrée:2153
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Stylised head in Armorican style, of Apollonian origin, the hair formed by three rows of crescent-shaped locks pulled back, with a bun behind. Where the ear should be, two parallel lines emerging from two locks, are ending on the cheek in an adornment formed by three pellets disposed as a triangle.
Winged androcephalic horse to the left. On the croup, a highly stylised charioteer holding the reins in one hand and a band in the other, which passes over the head of the horse and ends before its head in a square divided by a cross similar to a vexilium. Under the tail, a 4-spoked wheel. Below the androcephalic horse, a reclining figure to the left, wingless, holding a weapon in each hand: a curved dagger in one, a spear in the other.
Very interesting specimen! First of all, it is a variety of the class with the two-weaponed wingless figure (Dt. 2150-2153), since the designs are on the left while the types of the rest of the group are on the right. More importantly, the figure who normally holds a curved dagger in his left hand (under the horse's chest), is no longer holding it. Instead, he is holding a long, angular object similar to a hockey stick. Two other sticks are visible above. This design on our example seems to be modelled on the wings of the figure from which it derives, and which was originally winged (Delestrée, series 266, 269, 275, 278 attributed to the Veneti). Unfortunately, it is not possible to clearly distinguish this figure's other weapon, as it is on the periphery of the flan where the strike was too weak to imprint the designs on the die, as is part of the charioteer and the banner he is holding before the horse. There are also a few scratches in the hair on the observe and one before the horse. A very remarkable example, even within this Delestrée 2153 type, with a rare variety, very rarely seen in recent sales.
7.24 gr
Gold
Although nowadays gold enjoys a reputation as the king of precious metals, that was not always the case. For example, in Ancient Greece, Corinthian bronze was widely considered to be superior. However, over the course of time, it has established itself as the prince of money, even though it frequently vies with silver for the top spot as the standard.
Nevertheless, there are other metals which appear to be even more precious than this duo, take for example rhodium and platinum. That is certain. Yet, if the ore is not as available, how can money be produced in sufficient quantities? It is therefore a matter of striking a subtle balance between rarity and availability.
But it gets better: gold is not only virtually unreactive, whatever the storage conditions (and trouser pockets are hardly the most precious of storage cases), but also malleable (coins and engravers appreciate that).
It thus represents the ideal mix for striking coins without delay – and we were not going to let it slip away!
The chemical symbol for gold is Au, which derives from its Latin name aurum. Its origins are probably extraterrestrial, effectively stardust released following a violent collision between two neutron stars. Not merely precious, but equally poetic…
The first gold coins were minted by the kings of Lydia, probably between the 8th and 6th century BC. Whereas nowadays the only gold coins minted are investment coins (bullion coins) or part of limited-edition series aimed at collectors, that was not always the case. And gold circulated extensively from hand to hand and from era to era, from the ancient gold deposits of the River Pactolus to the early years of the 20th century.
As a precious metal, in the same way as silver, gold is used for minting coins with intrinsic value, which is to say the value of which is constituted by the metal from which they are made. Even so, nowadays, the value to the collector frequently far exceeds that of the metal itself...
It should be noted that gold, which is naturally very malleable, is frequently supplemented with small amounts of other metals to render it harder.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of gold included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ gold or 999 parts of gold per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
