Aulerci Cenomani, Stater, 2nd century BC
Gold - AU(50-53) - Delestrée:2150
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.
Stater attributed to the Aulerci Cenomani (Le Mans region, France), from the series known as 'with wingless figure holding two weapons' ("au personnage aptère aux deux armes"). Delestrée, Classe IV, 2150 (pl. VII); Latour 6852 (pl.
XXIII); De Jersey 1994, p. 60, fig. 23, IV; Scheers, Lyon, 930.
Profile on the right of Apollonian origin, hair formed by a sort of headband (reminding a laurel wreath) made of two rows of rectangular, striated locks; above and behind, flame-like bun and back; encircling the face, a row of crescent-shaped locks. Where the ears should be, two horizontal, parallel lines, coming from two strands, ends on the cheek in a triangular ornament made up of three globules. Before the forehead, a large S-shaped lock.
Winged androcephalic horse galloping to the right, driven by a highly stylised charioteer, holding the reins in one hand and in the other, a cord passing over the horse's head and ending before it in a square divided by an X with a central pearl, reminiscent of a vexillum. Under the horse's tail, four-spoked wheel. Below, a wingless figure lying to the right, holding a curved dagger in one hand and a spear in the other.
Stater from the series ‘with wingless figure with two weapons’, attributed to the Aulerci Cenomani tribe from the Le Mans region. With a blank large enough to receive the whole portrait and a large part of the reverse type, this example is of excellent quality and very well preserved. The highly precise engraving of the portrait easily reveals its various details, especially the difference between the two rows of locks of the “headband” and the crescent-shaped one. Similarly, the flame-like locks are striking. There is a contrast in style with the reverse, which is much more representative of its Celtic origin. There is a very slight scratch on the horse's wing on the reverse, which is almost complete (the spear is not visible and the vexillum is interrupted), and the whole well preserved despite the slight overall circulation wear. Delestrée, Classe IV, 2150 (pl. VII); Latour 6852 (pl. XXIII) ; De Jersey 1994, p. 60, fig. 23, IV ; Scheers, Lyon, 930.
7.17 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 “AU(50-53)” 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:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
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 displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
