iBelgica
Lansky Auction 2 6 Jul 2020
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Gallia. Unelli. Coutances area. 1st century BC. AV Fourrée 1/2 Stater (3.25g, 8). LT -; DT 2068. Lightly toned. Emergency issue. Well-centered. Exceptional 'astronomical' reverse. Good very fine. From a European private collection
The reverse (sun-eating monster) illustrates the Celts' astronomical conceptions of the sidereal phenomena that regularly punctuate the cosmos (the course of the sun) or cyclically interrupt it (eclipses); also a translation of the Gallic calendar system where, every thirtieth year, a moon was swallowed to reconcile the lunar and solar comput. Celestial phenomena were indeed the object of the greatest attention among the Gauls; Julius Caesar stated that the druids were engaged in numerous speculations about the stars and their movements (Bellum Gallicum 6.14).
The reverse (sun-eating monster) illustrates the Celts' astronomical conceptions of the sidereal phenomena that regularly punctuate the cosmos (the course of the sun) or cyclically interrupt it (eclipses); also a translation of the Gallic calendar system where, every thirtieth year, a moon was swallowed to reconcile the lunar and solar comput. Celestial phenomena were indeed the object of the greatest attention among the Gauls; Julius Caesar stated that the druids were engaged in numerous speculations about the stars and their movements (Bellum Gallicum 6.14).