Thrace, Istros, Wheel Of Taranis - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,502
Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 08/15/2020 8:49 pm I do like the generally uncluttered and simple appearance of the early Greek bronzes, and this cast "wheel money" coin is about as minimalist as it gets. With a four spoked wheel on the obverse and ΙΣΤ on the reverse, it couldn't really be any simpler. The Celtic solar wheel of four spokes, or "Wheel of Taranis" is the symbol of the Celtic "Thunder God" - Taranis, a "Master of War". Taranis is linked with the Roman deity Jupiter, as a warlord and a sky god. Thrace, Istros, ca 500 BC. Obverse: Wheel of four spokes - solar disk. Reverse: ΙΣΤ. Cast bronze, casting sprue evident. Diameter: 12 / 11 mm. Weight: 1.02 gr. SNG BM1 220. Report this Post to the Staff

Kamnaskires Pillar of the Community United States 7066 Posts	Posted 08/15/2020 8:59 pm That one is old, even by this board's standards. I too like the economical approach to design seen here. Report this Post to the Staff
Palouche Pillar of the Community Spain 2752 Posts	Posted 08/16/2020 5:25 pm What an interesting coin Jim... I'd never heard or seen this type before so thanks for posting.... Report this Post to the Staff
Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 08/17/2020 6:51 pm Thanks for the comments Bob and Paul. It was the Celtic connection of the four spoked wheel that drew my attention to the coin. I was not at all familiar with Taranis, and was surprised to read that he was named in inscriptions from Italy, Germany, Hungary, Croatia, France, Belgium, and as Taran in Wales. In Caesar's De Bello Gallica, Taranis has been identified as the deity to whom both Julius Caesar and Strabo describe human sacrifices being offered by being burnt alive in 'wicker men'. I have a 1718 edition of Lucan's Pharsalia, and Lucan writes in Book 1; "And those who pacify with blood accursed Savage Teutates, Hesus' horrid shrines, And Taranis' altars cruel as were those Loved by Diana, goddess of the north". Report this Post to the Staff
Doucet Pillar of the Community United States 1315 Posts	Posted 08/21/2020 08:29 am Very nice Novicius One of my very first ancient coins was this type, but I've never known much about them. I think it's age and being cast is what drew my interest. Interesting write up. Report this Post to the Staff
Novicius Pillar of the Community United Kingdom 1168 Posts	Posted 08/21/2020 10:23 am Another really nice coin @Doucet. Thanks for posting it. Report this Post to the Staff
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