★ Shakespeare’s Cymbeline ★

CELTIC: Britain (Trinovantes/Catuvellauni) Cunobelinus (c. 8-41 CE), bronze unit. 2.38g, 16mm.
Obv: Head left, CVNO[BELINI]
Rev: Centaur right, TAS[CIOVANI F] around.
ABC 2957, VA 2089, BMC 1968-71, S 336, CCI 02.1143 (this coin).
From the Orfew collection, purchased from Chris Rudd; Ex J W Barratt collection, ex W Tatu collection.
Fairly rough, common for the type.

Cunobelin (son of Tasciovanus) was a powerful British king who held sway over much of what is now Southeastern England, and is mentioned by Suetonius. His aggression towards Roman allies, continued by his son Caratacus, ultimately led to the Roman conquest of Britain under Claudius. His legend is preserved in many literary works, most famously (via Geoffrey of Monmouth) as Cymbeline in Shakespeare’s play of that name.