ABC 1426 -

Freckenham Flower. Daisy Wheel Type. Talbot Early Boar Horse Stater, die group 1, dies A/1. c.30-10 BC. Gold stater. 18mm. 5.54g. Large three-petal flower in plain ring, plain curved line in angles, pellet spokes radiating from flower./ Horse right with open head and stranded tail with pellet below, neck torc containing pellet rosette above, four-spoked wheel below. ABC 1426, VA 626-4, BMC 3405, S 428. CCI 09.4727 (this coin).   Rare die pair, only 25 recorded, including 18 in museums.           

This Daisy Wheel stater is full of concealed symbolism. The three crescentic petals may represent the three main groups that constituted the Iceni tribe. They also form a clown-like smiley hidden face. On the other side an upturned gold neck torc confirms the sanctity of the Icenian sun-horse.  Ex John Follows collection.  Images: © Chris Rudd Ltd, www.celticcoins.com