Pictones, Santones, 1/4 Stater
1st century BC - Electrum - VF(30-35)
Profile / head to the right, crescent-shaped cheek, prominent nose and chin. Two rows of hair surround the face, the first in an encircled half-moon shape surrounds the face, the second consisting of flame-like locks, elongated and encircled. In front of the profile, a hollowed crescent shape.
Androcephalic horse (helmeted?) to the right, surmounted by a stylized charioteer (helmeted?), holding the reins with his right hand and brandishing a pearled torque with his left. A crescent-shaped volute emerges from the horse's mouth. Below, a hand set on a yoke-shaped bracket.
This division of the stater serie “à la main” (with the hand), attributed to the Picto-santones, is in a very fine state of preservation. It belongs to Class A9 in L-P Délestrée's categorization. Like the staters of the Group A, it seems that their provenances correspond principally to the territory of the Pictones rather than the Santones' territory.
1.59 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.
