Potin Unit Curved Bull / Holman B4

Van Arsdell ‘Curved Bull’.

David Holman proposes a detailed classification in A New Classification System for the Flat Linear Potin Coinage. This type corresponds with his Group B2, which derives from Group A.

Holman characterises Group B as having true linear designs on both obverse and reverse, together with broad, flat and rough flans (although Group B1 retains the thick-bodied bull). There is an eye ring and usually a vertical line through the neck. There is rarely a central eye pellet. The curvilinear bull initially has two rear legs, but later types have only one rear leg which curves round to form an exergual line. The head of the bull is now a front leg. Striations very occasionally appear. Given the variability of the series, Holman suggests a degree of flexibility, where the features given are not taken to be exact. There are six subgroups in Group B, of which this is the fourth:

Subgroup B4 contains two rare distinctive types with the neckline connected or nearly connected to the eye ring. Some have an incomplete eye ring in the form of a reversed letter C. The bull has one rear leg but both front legs and a low, wavy tail. They are around 17 mm.



Next in the chronological sequence is Holman B5. The previous type is Holman B3. The previous group is Holman A and the next is Holman C.

The illustrated coin is in the Portable Antiquities Scheme database (CC BY-SA 4.0).