Celtic Lead Wheel Money (about 2020-2120 years ago)
This simple lead object represents an early form of currency used by Celtic tribes in Gaul (modern France) before and during the early period of Roman conquest. Unlike the precisely struck coins of the Mediterranean world, this wheel-shaped piece reflects the distinctive Celtic approach to money.
Coin Description:
Front side: Wheel with four spokes in a simple geometric design
Back side: Similar to front
Technical Details:
Lead composition, weighing 1.40 grams
Date: Circa 100 BCE - 1 CE
Historical Significance: Celtic tribes in Gaul initially developed their own monetary systems inspired by Greek and Roman coins they encountered through trade. These wheel-shaped pieces may have had religious significance associated with sun worship or Celtic deities. The use of lead instead of precious metals made this an accessible form of currency for everyday transactions. During this period, Celtic Gaul was gradually being incorporated into the Roman world, culminating in Julius Caesar's conquest (58-50 BCE), which would eventually lead to the replacement of such local currencies with standard Roman coinage.
This simple lead object represents an early form of currency used by Celtic tribes in Gaul (modern France) before and during the early period of Roman conquest. Unlike the precisely struck coins of the Mediterranean world, this wheel-shaped piece reflects the distinctive Celtic approach to money.
Coin Description:
Front side: Wheel with four spokes in a simple geometric design
Back side: Similar to front
Technical Details:
Lead composition, weighing 1.40 grams
Date: Circa 100 BCE - 1 CE
Historical Significance: Celtic tribes in Gaul initially developed their own monetary systems inspired by Greek and Roman coins they encountered through trade. These wheel-shaped pieces may have had religious significance associated with sun worship or Celtic deities. The use of lead instead of precious metals made this an accessible form of currency for everyday transactions. During this period, Celtic Gaul was gradually being incorporated into the Roman world, culminating in Julius Caesar's conquest (58-50 BCE), which would eventually lead to the replacement of such local currencies with standard Roman coinage.
This simple lead object represents an early form of currency used by Celtic tribes in Gaul (modern France) before and during the early period of Roman conquest. Unlike the precisely struck coins of the Mediterranean world, this wheel-shaped piece reflects the distinctive Celtic approach to money.
Coin Description:
Front side: Wheel with four spokes in a simple geometric design
Back side: Similar to front
Technical Details:
Lead composition, weighing 1.40 grams
Date: Circa 100 BCE - 1 CE
Historical Significance: Celtic tribes in Gaul initially developed their own monetary systems inspired by Greek and Roman coins they encountered through trade. These wheel-shaped pieces may have had religious significance associated with sun worship or Celtic deities. The use of lead instead of precious metals made this an accessible form of currency for everyday transactions. During this period, Celtic Gaul was gradually being incorporated into the Roman world, culminating in Julius Caesar's conquest (58-50 BCE), which would eventually lead to the replacement of such local currencies with standard Roman coinage.
