Curly Lion of the Cantii

[John Conduitt]

This is another beaten up British Iron Age bronze I've added to my collection. The ancient Britons didn't hoard their bronze so most are corroded individual finds. There must be fewer than a handful of these bronzes that exist in good condition, but as long as I can make out what's being depicted on an Iron Age bronze, I'm happy.

‘Curly Lion’ Unit, 50-20BC

Cantii Kingdom. Bronze, 2.45g. Head right, curly hair, encircled by rings and pellets. Lion left, pentagram below (ABC 282). Found near Maidstone, Kent.

Edited December 14, 2022 by John Conduitt

[John Conduitt]

This is another Cantii bronze from 'Sam', king of the Cantiaci around the time of Dubnovellaunos.

Sam ‘Boar Branch’ Unit, 1-10

Cantii Kingdom. Bronze, 14mm, 2.22g. Boar left, branch above, ringed pellet below. Horse left, (SA) below (ABC 375; S 187a). Found north Kent 2001 (Celtic Coin Index 03.09U9).

Edited June 25, 2022 by John Conduitt

[John Conduitt]

Here's a silver unit from the Cantii. Amminus is thought to have been expelled from Britain by his father Cunobelin in 39 or 40, and surrendered to Caligula at Mainz.

Amminus ‘Biga’ Unit, 35-40

Cantii Kingdom. Silver, 10-12mm, 1.00g. Bust right, AMMI in front, beaded border. Facing chariot, head of charioteer between, S below, E to left of head, G to right of head, beaded border (ABC 459). (Celtic Coin Index  CCI 07.0015).

The Cantii had been the first to make coins in Britain.

Edited June 25, 2022 by John Conduitt

[Severus Alexander]

Thank you for posting these... I have nothing to contribute but I would love to acquire at least one Cantii coin at some point!  Fascinatingly mysterious...

[MrMonkeySwag96]

This is the closest thing I have to Iron Age Britain geographically speaking. It’s from Northwest Gaul, whose coinage possibly influenced those of Britain.

6.58g, 20mm Celticized head right Devolved biga right with victory flying above. SCBC 15 Good silver for the type. Irregular thickness flan resulting in a flat area around the horse's chest.

Edited June 26, 2022 by MrMonkeySwag96

[John Conduitt]

16 hours ago, Severus Alexander said:

I would love to acquire at least one Cantii coin at some point!

Yes they're tricky because either they're not in great condition or they cost a lot. But the later abstract Thurrock potins are interesting and good value.

[John Conduitt]

13 hours ago, MrMonkeySwag96 said:

It’s from Northwest Gaul, whose coinage possibly influenced those of Britain.

When it comes to tribes like the Atrebates they were the same people, and were still coming to Britain from Gaul in Caesar's time.

[Severus Alexander]

1 hour ago, John Conduitt said:

Yes they're tricky because either they're not in great condition or they cost a lot. But the later abstract Thurrock potins are interesting and good value.

I think a Thurrock would fit the bill!  Good suggestion!  I just followed up on your first thread, which (amazingly!) lacked replies.  I guess it'll take some time to build up the Celtic following.  (Calling @JulianIX!!)