Watch List notes:

CELTIC, Southern Gaul. Insubres (?). Late 3rd to early 2nd century BC. Heavy Drachm (Subaeratus, 16 mm, 3.49 g, 11 h). Head of Artemis to right, wearing wreath of olive branches, pendant earring and pearl necklace. Rev. MAΣΣA Lion prowling to right. Dembski 109 var. (later style). Flesche 275 var. (later style). SLM 988. Very rare. A beautifully toned piece of fine style. Very minor breaks in plating near the edge, otherwise, about extremely fine.


This interesting issue imitates the very rare early drachms of Massalia, which were struck to a heavier standard of circa 3.70 g. That it is an early piece is further emphasized by its neat style, which surpasses most of the later official light Massaliotan drachms, weighing around 2.7 g.