Gold stater, “Finney’s Thunderbolt” type
A detectorist signing himself as Ian said this coin was unearthed during a group dig in Hertfordshire. I was asked to provide more information, including a valuation on this find.
The coin is an Ancient British gold quarter stater, which is an example of the Eastern (North Thames) region. It will date from circa 55-45 BC.
On the obverse is a zig-zag thunderbolt or lightening flash with a ring and pellet on each side. On the reverse is a horse facing right with a cogwheel sun above (only partly visible), below and in front.
No quarter staters of this type are listed in the Standard Catalogue but in Ancient British Coins they are number 2255 (Finney’s Thunderbolt type). However, the description in ABC does not mention a cogwheel sun in front of the horse.
Valuation
The obverse would grade VF, the reverse nearly VF. Quarter staters of this type are listed in ABC as being extremely rare. As it is a rarity and is quite attractive, a pre-sale auction estimate on the coin should be £600-700.
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