Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 41. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004.  Sold For $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CELTIC, Britain. Catuvellauni & Trinovantes. Cunobelin. Circa 10-41 AD. AR Unit (1.23 gm). Two Leaves Type. Two leaves with two back-to-back crescents, CV N[O] across, beaded border / Celtic warrior on horse rearing right, sword in right hand, CAM on exergual line, beaded border. Hobbs 1866-67; Van Arsdell 2047; SCBC 304. Good VF, toned, small edge chip, clear leaves, sharp warrior, well ornamented. Very rare. ($500)

From the Matthew Rich Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 43 (24 September 1999), lot 2967.

John Evans says the obverse ‘seems to be formed of two ivy(?) leaves with berries on either side’ (Coins of the Ancient Britons, pg. 567). Quite possibly. The evergreen ivy plant is famously long-lived. Maybe this coin, which Dr. P. de Jersey suggests is a late issue, celebrates the long life and/or long reign of Cunobelin. On the other hand, the leaves could be vine leaves (cf. Verica’s Vine Leaf staters).