SOUTHERN GAUL. Allobroges. Late 2nd century BC. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 2.37 g, 10 h), 'drachme à la legende IAZVS' type. Laureate male head to left. Rev. IAZVS (in Lepontian) Horse galloping left; below, wheel. DT 3054. LT 2904. SLM 25. Nicely toned. Scratches on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.



Lepontic was a Celtic dialect spoken in parts of Raetia and Cisalpine Gaul, primarily around Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, and Lake Como. It is attested in inscriptions and on coins, which were inscribed in the 'alphabet of Lugano,' a local script derived from the Etruscan alphabet, the predominant writing system in pre-Roman Northern Italy.