Celtic coinage

The Celtic coinage refers to the coinage of the Celts in the period from about 300 BC to the birth of Christ. The most important sources for the study of the Celts are, due to their lack of self- literature, archaeological finds, especially coins. The Celtic coins forming an independent part of the field of numismatics.

The development

The first Celtic coins can be dated BC to about AD 300. However, since no data stamping or similar markings are present on these, such a dating on other items in the same Fund must be based. With the emergence of the Celtic coinage mainly trade with the Greeks plays an important role. Cities as the Greek colony of Massalia city developed over the centuries to lively trade domains Gaul. But it is precisely here in Gaul widespread barter came more and more problems because had already established the coinage in the Greek sphere of influence. In addition, the pay of stationed in Greece or Rome Gallic mercenaries in coins were paid. Probably encouraged by these circumstances took over the Celts the coins as payment. Who led the Celtic embossing, is only due to lack of sources suggest. As we encounter the names of the chiefs, which are known to us from Caesars Commentarii, in whole or in abbreviations on the tetradrachms (also called Viertelstater ), is to assume that it also is a kind of embossing masters at the Prince.

Temporal and regional differences

Systematic evaluations of grave finds have shown that different metals have been used in Celtic coinage over time. Unlike the Greek or Roman coins were the first Celtic coins of gold. These gold coins were minted until the middle of the 1st century BC and were initially probably only the information exchange as well as treasure money. From the middle of the 2nd century BC until the Roman conquest of Gaul and silver coins were minted. By the beginning of the 1st century BC, the Western ( Gallic ) Oppidakultur was at least gone over to mint coins of gold, silver and bronze. The typical alloy of copper and tin is referred to as " Celtic Münzbronze ". The French language has for the designation Potin and distinguishes between " Potin gris " and " Potin jaune ". The Celtic coins do not form a unified monetary system. In ostkeltischen space and the Mediterranean dominated silver as coinage, while in the West gold. West of the Rhine Viertelstater of Philip II, however, was the model for the Celtic coinage, in what is now Bohemia, Bavaria and Swabia Viertelstater of Alexander the Great. These models were implemented in the individual strains in different ways and developed.

The most popular gold coins embossed Celtic are the so-called Rainbow Cup. A hoard of Duderstadt in Göttingen consists of a bowl-shaped gold coin, which represents a stater of Remer. The Gallo- Belgian tribe had emigrated to England. The 40-20 BC minted coin shows a galloping horse on a bike achtspeichigen

Embossing technique

Coinage leaned technically to other cultures. First, coin blanks, called planchets made ​​. These wells were provided with small clay tablets Tüpfelbretter, equipped with accurately weighed amounts of metal, around which a charcoal fire was stoked. Once the metal was molten, it was allowed to cool. Goods cools the planchets, they were marked with a coin dies and a hammer. The coin dies consisted of a bronze core that was the motive, and an iron ring, which kept the bronze core before jumping. At the back there was often a thorn that could connect the stamp with a factory pad. Except for the coin dies and other tools were needed. To recut a worn stamp needed by the engraver graver, files and pliers. Also crucibles, bellows and precision scales were needed.

Symbolism

Over time, the original motives of the coins changed beyond recognition and were partially replaced with your own. Already in early Restrikes the designs of Celtic symbolism were dominated. Unlike the coins of other cultures, the Celts do not depict the body, but spirits. The coins were not only used as a means of payment but were mainly carrier mystical and religious character. The most common symbol is the circle or sphere. This symbol corresponds to the Serpent, which mentions Pliny the Elder. It represents fertility and the one in Celtic symbolism of numbers. Since all the other numbers are represented by the 1, they thus also stands for the totality of Celtic mysticism. Two hemispheres, as well as the almond and the crescent shape symbolize the moon, fertility and the feminine. Three balls stand for the sun, partly also represented by a wheel or Triskele.