I recently bought the following Iberian bronze coin: Size: 27mm, 14.7 g. The design is typical of Iberian coins from the late 2nd- early 1st centuries BC, with a male head on the obverse and horseman with spear running, Celt-Iberian legend naming the city immediately below horse. I bought this as a coin of Bilbilis. However, I tried to check the legend for myself, and it definitely does not say "Bilbilis". I'm having trouble figuring out what it does say, however. Is anyone here good at deciphering Celt-Iberian inscriptions, or otherwise has a plausible attribution for this coin? (The main design elements of male head right/horseman with inscription below were used by most Iberian cities in this time period, so the inscription is key.) Thanks in advance for any help.
Here it is, I think: Iberia, Ekualakos. Circa 150-100 B.C. AE unit (25.7 mm, 13.37 g, 11 h). Bare male head right; Iberian E to left, dolphin swimming downward to right / Warrior on horseback right, holding spear; Iberian legend below. ACIP 1848; SNG BM Spain 1030; Burgos 969.
@Severus Alexander : Thanks, I think you nailed the ID on this one! @John Anthony: No worries, it's still a cool coin and I plan to keep it. The only downside is I no longer have an excuse for quoting Martial's Epigrams .
Judging by the circular hair curl above the ear I think the op coin is probably ACIP 1847. 1847 and 1848 have the same inscription, but a slightly different style of portrait. The weight listed for the op coin seems a little heavy. ACIP lists 11.24g. Maybe the weight here was for the Bilbilis coin.
Wow, was that design used by several cities? I have one from: Iberia Secaisa Segeda AE 25 2nd-1st C BC Male Hd Dolphin Horseman Galloping O-R
Yes, it was used all over Iberia. I'd have to check how many cities, but a good portion of them used the design. Its one of my favorite types.
Thanks Ken, I thought as much. I agree, I am very attracted to the design! I even have an AR version: OSCA Spain AR silver denarius 204-154 BC. Head r beard -N behind - Horseman spear, Iberian PMAN BOLSCAN Burgos 1501 Villaronga 3
I have one that was struck at 'Belikio'? Iberia, Belikio. 100-70 B.C. AE as (28.9 mm, 14.69 g, 3 h). Male head right; Iberian BE behind / Horseman right holding spear, Iberian inscription below. ACIP 1433; SNG BM Spain 763-70; Burgos 243. VF. Scarce
I like coins from ancient Spain. This design was widely used in the Northern part of Iberia. This one is a Denario from Turiasu with the horse and rider design. And an AE Unit from Kelse.
I have another cool Iberian, but not the Horse with Lancer design: The NOSES on these two! Iberia Castulo Late 2nd C BC AE As 25mm Bust Nose Hand Sphinx