Celtic and Potin Coins

I would like to thank Dr Philip de Jersey of the archaeology department Oxford England, For his kind help identifying one of the two coins. 

The second coin I'm reasonably happy with - it's a class II potin (not a class I, in fact, they tend to be a bit bigger and flatter than this). It was probably issued in the early or middle first century BC, and although the type is traditionally attributed to the Cantii, in Kent, there is some evidence that the class II coins were used mostly north of the river Thames, if not actually produced there. The first coin is more of a puzzle. While it looks superficially like another class II potin, I can't really turn the reverse into the usual design, with the lines representing the bull. It's unusual to find much variation from this theme on the potin coinage, which is why I wonder whether it might not even be Iron Age, but some kind of later coin or token. It does look Iron Age, however! I suspect that this is one of those coins which it's very difficult to pin down precisely, but eventually perhaps another will turn up and help us along a bit. In the meantime, well I'd say that it's likely to be an Iron Age potin, but I can't be certain. I hope this helps a little,

Origin and Material: Potins were mainly produced in southeast Britain during the late Iron Age (around the 2nd–1st centuries BCE). The name “potin” comes from the French term for a high-tin bronze (often around 20–30% tin, sometimes with lead). The alloy gave the coins a silvery-grey appearance when freshly cast.

Casting Process:

1. Mould preparation: Craftspeople created clay moulds, often using master models or impressions to form a “tree” of coin cavities connected by channels.

2. Pouring: Molten potin alloy was poured into the mould.

3. Cooling and separation: Once the metal solidified, the mould was broken open, revealing a “coin tree” — a cluster of coins joined by thin metal sprues (spurs).

4. Finishing: The coins were then broken apart by hand. As you noted, this often left rough edges or small protrusions where the spur was attached. These features can still be seen on many surviving examples today.

Designs and Use: Early British potins were imitations of Massaliote (Marseilles) silver coins, featuring stylised heads of Apollo on one side and a bull on the other. Over time, the designs became increasingly abstract and “Celtic” in style.