CELTIC, Central Europe. Vindelici. Early 1st century BC. Quinarius (Silver, 15 mm, 1.81 g), 'Kreuzquinar', 'Schönaich II' type. Celticized male head to right with long and wildly waving hair, eye, nose and mouth made of dots. Rev. Cross with quarters containing Λ - I - () and two pellets; all within cup-shaped incuse. Castelin, SNR 49, 45. Flesche 363-364. Kellner, Manching, 510. LT -. SLM 1103. Beautifully toned and with an unusually sharp and clear obverse. Good very fine.


The convex/concave shaped flans of this issue are clearly reminiscent of the golden 'Regenbogenschüsselchen' struck by the Vindelici. This fabric, unusual for silver coins, leads to the obverse being notoriously poorly struck and worn. Our example, with its clear and sharp obverse, is actually a remarkably attractive exception.