Potin Unit Thurrock MA / Apollo Head

Thurrock potins are also known as Kentish Primary potins (as the earliest potins).

Van Arsdell ‘Apollo Head’. Van Arsdell Classification: Trinovantian A, Thurrock Type. Note that Van Arsdell attributes Thurrock potins to the Trinovantes based on the findspot of a large hoard (Thurrock). Chris Rudd attributes them to the Cantii. Later potins are attributed to the Cantii by both Rudd and Van Arsdell. Van Arsdell lists several varieties:
VA 1402 - 01: Lifelike portrait, hair in crescents. MA above bull, central boss, exergual line. Sprue through both sides.
VA 1404 - 01: Less lifelike portrait, hair more as a helmet. MA above bull, central boss, exergual line. Less evidence of sprue.
VA 1406 - 01: Helmet on head, distinct edge-circle. M and digamma above bull, exergual line, Sprue across.
VA 1408 - 01: Feminine head, hair (or helmet neck protector) behind neck, central boss. MA above bull, central boss. Less evidence of sprue.
VA 1410 - 01: Less lifelike head in smooth helmet, sprue across. Bull flowing, central boss, no letters above, exergual line.

Chris Rudd (ABC) ‘Thurrock MA’.

Potin is a base metal alloy used in ancient coins, typically a mixture of copper, tin and lead. The Thurrock Types are distinguished from later potins by the mould-manufacturing methods and typology. The sprues and runners were produced by pressing a dowel across the mould. This created a deep runner system, which filled the cavities well, but interfered with the images on the coins. Almost all Thurrock Types have the sprues running across the image in a raised line.