Ancient Coins and Numismatic Books

Armorica, Abrincatui, Silver Stater, 1st cent. BC, lunar head right, cheek decorated with lyre or comet motif, rev. disjointed horse right with remains of charioteer above, class III, 6.37g/6h (D-T series 347, 2274; LT J6ff). Nearly very fine
£150-200

The mark or tattoo on the moon face is more often a triangle of pellets-in-annulets; a single pellet-in-ring with three tails is unusual. Normally found on the reverse, below the horse, this device is generally referred to as a lyre. McCammon, however, argues that, given the ancient’s fascination with all things celestial, it may be the earliest representation of Halley’s comet which passed in 86 BC