Coin, ancient British, gold, found by metal-detectorist in Big Reeds Field, Cheriton, Hampshire, Atrebatic Abstract type.

Gold coin of Atrebatic Abstract type

Late pre-Roman Iron Age, 55-45BC

Found by metal-detectorist at Cheriton, Hampshire

The designs of the first gold coins struck in Britain derive ultimately from the gold staters of Philip II, King of Macedonia (359-336BC). The Macedonian staters featured the laurel-wreathed head of Apollo on the obverse and a chariot, drawn by two prancing horses, on the reverse. These classical designs become increasingly abstract on the British coinage. The reverse on this coin shows a disjointed horse facing right. The Atrebates occupied the territory that is today Berkshire, Sussex and parts of Hampshire.