Sequani, Helvetii, Stater
2nd-1st centuries BC - Electrum - EF(40-45)
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 ‘with crescent’ , Crainvilliers type (Delestrée Series 839).
Profile to the right, of Apollonian origin, laureate, with curly hair. At the neckline, a striated oval. In front of the profile, a striated oval. All around, crescents turned outward.
Horse advancing to the left, pulling a chariot with 8-spokes wheel visible, driven by a charioteer holding the reins in one hand and raising the other. In front of it, a bird standing horizontally on its chest, facing upwards. Between the horse's legs, a striated hollow crescent turned upwards. Below, two pelleted half-circles linked with a segment, evoking a thunderbolt.
Very interesting stater: the portrait is extremely similar to the one illustrated in Delestrée 3078, while the reverse is closer to DT. 3075 with a single crescent under the horse. Unfortunately, the blank has a damage on the edge at 7h. Otherwise, this is a very fine example of a scyphate coin, with a large blank and all the elements around the horse clearly visible and complete. D. Allen, RSN 53 (1974), 90-91var (p. 69 & pl. 12); Castelin, 846-847var; LT 8922var; DT. 3078var; S. Scheers, BSFN 6 (2005), p. 117, fig. 5-6 & Danicourt 86var.
6.5 gr
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.