Diameter: 16.000 mm
Weight: 5.450 g

CM 1996.10-22.50

Room 50: Britain and Europe

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People in Iron Age Britain

Gold coin in the name of Tincomarus

In the late first century BC, the rulers of southern England began to put their names on their coins. These coins represent the earliest evidence of the use of writing in Britain. One of these kings, we now know, was called Tincomarus. His name is legible on the back of this coin. TINCO can be clearly seen above the horse, MA between the horse's legs and RVS running anti-clockwise in front of the horse's head. The name may mean something like 'big fish' in Ancient British (a variety of Celtic language) or Insular Celtic. He was the ruler of a kingdom centred on the modern counties of Hampshire and Sussex.