International. A Rare Celtic Tetradrachm (Coin), Samobor Type A, C.400 BC

An extremely rare and ancient coin, in solid silver, variable alignment, the obverse features a male head facing left, wearing a three-strand pearl diadem, the reverse with a right facing prancing horse, measuring 23.8 mm (w) x 25.3 mm (h), weighing 11.1 grams, light crack near 7 o'clock and into center, dark patina, wear consistent with age, a near extremely fine coin of historic importance.

Footnote: Noricum is the Latin name for the Celtic kingdom or federation of tribes that included most of modern Austria and part of Slovenia. The kingdom was founded around 400 BC and became well known for their famous steel quality used for making Roman weapons, due to the ore mined in the area. A production and trading center was established in Magdalensberg (a market town in the district of Klagenfurt-land in Carinthia and Austria) where specialized blacksmiths crafted metal products and weapons, which were later exported Aquileia, a Roman colony founded in 180 BC. From 200 BC the Noricum tribes gradually united into a kingdom known as the Regnum Noricum, with the capital located in Noreia (nowadays referred to as a lost city). A key ally of the Roman Republic, they provided weapons and tools in exchange for military protection. In 48 BC they sided with Julius Caeser in the civil war against Pompey the Great. Noricum was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 16 BC.