Atrebates and Regni, Tincomarus (c. 25 BC-AD 10), gold Quarter-Stater, 'Medusa' type

1.21g

TINC in corded tablet, C above, A below / Medusa facing, serpentine hair radiating around

Bean TIN3-3; VA 378-1; S.77; ABC 1076)

the characteristic die flaw through tablet on obverse and a superficial striking crack to cheek, otherwise superbly well-centred, most pleasing and almost extremely fine thus, rare.

Found Shrewton, Wiltshire

Recorded with the British Museum, ref. PAS: SOM-9F4AAA

Ex: Spink 19025, 1/2019, 1591.

Van Arsdell’s claim that the Medusa head on the reverse was modeled after Roman coins proves untenable upon closer examination. The coin in question follows the Rondanini Medusa type, which is found neither on the aurei of L. Aquilius Florus (type RIC 302) cited by van Arsdell nor on earlier denarii (such as Cr. 453/1, 463/2). Gorgoneia of this “beautiful type” are also rare on Greek coins, suggesting that the inspiration for the mint masters of Tincomarus likely came from a different category of objects.