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Esunertos Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Iron Age British Coinage: The Case of Esunertos

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Iron Age British Coinage: The Case of Esunertos Study Guide

Esunertos: Identity and Chronology

Esunertos was a female ruler active in Britain during the early 2nd century AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The evidence indicates Esunertos was a male ruler active in Britain during the late 1st century BC (approximately 50-30 BC), not the early 2nd century AD.

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Esunertos ruled in the western Thames basin between approximately 50 and 30 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical and numismatic evidence places Esunertos's rule in the western Thames basin during the period of approximately 50 to 30 BC.

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Esunertos lived and ruled during the main period of Roman occupation and administration in Britain.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esunertos ruled during the late 1st century BC, prior to the main period of Roman occupation and administration which began in earnest in 43 AD.

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The name Esunertos has numerous direct parallels found in contemporary historical records specifically for Britain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name Esunertos does not appear to have numerous direct parallels in contemporary historical records pertaining specifically to Britain.

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The name Esunertos is a recorded masculine name from the Roman period of occupation in Gaul.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name Esunertos is documented as a masculine name from the Roman period in Gaul, suggesting cultural connections and linguistic continuity.

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The known coins of Esunertos are primarily found in East Anglia, suggesting his rule was centered there.

Answer: False

Explanation: The known coins of Esunertos are primarily found centered around Danebury Hill Fort, suggesting his territory was located in the western Thames basin, not East Anglia.

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The western Thames basin is located in northern England.

Answer: False

Explanation: The western Thames basin refers to the area in southern England that forms the upper reaches of the River Thames and its tributaries, not northern England.

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The discovery in the Test Valley helps confirm Esunertos's rule was limited exclusively to the area around Danebury Hill Fort.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Test Valley discovery helps geographically pinpoint Esunertos's sphere of influence, but does not confirm his rule was limited exclusively to the area around Danebury Hill Fort.

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Who was Esunertos and during what approximate period did he live?

Answer: A male ruler in Britain, active approximately 50-30 BC.

Explanation: Esunertos was a male ruler in Britain active during the late 1st century BC, specifically between approximately 50 and 30 BC, ruling in the western Thames basin.

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What else has the name Esunertos been recorded as, and what is its interpreted meaning?

Answer: In Gaul during the Roman period, interpreted as 'mighty as Esos'.

Explanation: The name Esunertos is recorded from the Roman period in Gaul and is interpreted to mean 'mighty as Esos', referencing a contemporary Celtic god.

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Where are the known coins of Esunertos geographically centered, and what does this suggest?

Answer: Centered around Danebury Hill Fort, suggesting territory in the western Thames basin.

Explanation: The three known coins of Esunertos are centered around Danebury Hill Fort, indicating that his territory was likely situated in the western Thames basin.

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Coinage of Esunertos

The primary evidence for Esunertos's existence comes from detailed written historical accounts found in Roman archives.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary evidence for Esunertos's existence is derived from the few rare gold and silver coins bearing his name, rather than extensive written historical accounts.

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The spelling IISVNIIRTOS found on Esunertos's coins represents the first observed instance of the Celtic nominative form -os-.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inscription IISVNIIRTOS on Esunertos's coins is significant as it marks the first documented occurrence of the Celtic nominative suffix '-os-' within British numismatic records.

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Esunertos's name is significant because it is the only Celtic name ever found on British coinage.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esunertos's name is significant as one of the earliest attested names on British Iron Age coinage, alongside that of Commius, but it is not the only Celtic name found on such coinage.

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Esunertos's name is significant because it is the only Celtic name ever found on British coinage.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esunertos's name is significant as one of the earliest attested names on British Iron Age coinage, alongside that of Commius, but it is not the only Celtic name found on such coinage.

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Esunertos's coinage is stylistically distinct and easily distinguishable from that of Commius.

Answer: False

Explanation: The coinage attributed to Esunertos is described as stylistically similar to that of Commius, suggesting shared artistic traditions or influences.

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Esunertos's name appears on coins that are considered among the earliest attested names on British-made Iron Age coins.

Answer: True

Explanation: Esunertos's name appears on coins that are recognized as among the earliest instances of named rulers on British-made Iron Age coinage, alongside Commius.

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Esunertos and Commius are significant because they are the only rulers known from Iron Age British coinage.

Answer: False

Explanation: Esunertos and Commius are significant as among the earliest named rulers on Iron Age British coinage, but they are not the only ones known.

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Coins being described as 'stylistically similar' means they were made of different metals.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Stylistically similar' refers to shared artistic features, design elements, or manufacturing techniques, not necessarily the metal composition.

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The image caption describes a silver coin of Esunertos.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image caption describes a gold quarter stater coin associated with Esunertos, not a silver coin.

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What is the primary evidence for the existence of the ruler Esunertos?

Answer: A few rare gold and silver coins bearing his name.

Explanation: The primary evidence for Esunertos's existence comes from a few rare gold and silver coins that bear his name, rather than extensive written historical accounts or burial sites.

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What is notable about the spelling IISVNIIRTOS found on Esunertos's coins?

Answer: It represents the first observed instance of the Celtic nominative form -os-.

Explanation: The inscription IISVNIIRTOS on Esunertos's coins is significant as it marks the first documented occurrence of the Celtic nominative suffix '-os-' within British numismatic records.

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According to the source, what does the 'II' in IISVNIIRTOS signify in early British scribal practices?

Answer: It was a form of the letter 'E' favored by early scribes.

Explanation: The 'II' in IISVNIIRTOS is noted as a form of the letter 'E' that was favored by early scribes in Britain during that historical period.

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What is the historical significance of Esunertos's name appearing on British coinage?

Answer: It represents the earliest attested name found on a British-made Iron Age coin, alongside Commius.

Explanation: Esunertos's name, appearing on coins alongside Commius, signifies one of the earliest instances of named rulers on British Iron Age coinage, marking a development in political authority recorded numismatically.

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How does the style of Esunertos's coinage compare to that of Commius?

Answer: The coinage attributed to Esunertos is stylistically similar to that of Commius.

Explanation: The coinage attributed to Esunertos is described as stylistically similar to that of Commius, suggesting shared artistic traditions or influences during their respective periods of rule.

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Why is the appearance of the Celtic nominative form '-os-' on Esunertos's coins considered significant?

Answer: It marks the first time this specific grammatical form was observed in British numismatics.

Explanation: The appearance of the Celtic nominative form '-os-' on Esunertos's coins is significant because it represents the first documented instance of this specific grammatical form within British numismatic studies.

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What does it mean for coins to be described as 'stylistically similar'?

Answer: They share common artistic features, design elements, or manufacturing techniques.

Explanation: When coins are described as 'stylistically similar,' it implies they share common artistic features, design elements, or manufacturing techniques, suggesting a connection in their production or artistic tradition.

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Historical and Cultural Context

Commius was a ruler of the Iceni tribe and was appointed king by the Romans after Caesar's invasion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Commius was the ruler of the Atrebates tribe, not the Iceni, and was appointed as a client king by the Romans following Caesar's invasion.

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Commius began issuing coins under his own name around 55 BC, shortly after Caesar's first invasion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Commius began issuing coins under his own name around 30 BC, which is later than Caesar's initial invasions of Britain in 55 and 54 BC.

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Commius was appointed as a client king based at Winchester after Julius Caesar's invasion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Commius was appointed as a client king based at Silchester, not Winchester, following Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain.

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Celtic coinage typically features detailed, realistic portraits of rulers similar to Roman Imperial coins.

Answer: False

Explanation: Celtic coinage is generally characterized by distinctive artistic styles reflecting local culture, often abstract or stylized, rather than detailed, realistic portraits typical of Roman Imperial coins.

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The recording of Esunertos's name in Gaul suggests no cultural or linguistic links between Gaul and Britain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The recording of Esunertos's name in Gaul suggests significant cultural and linguistic links between Gaul and Britain, particularly among Celtic peoples.

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Commius's position as a client king meant he ruled all of Britain under Roman authority.

Answer: False

Explanation: As a client king, Commius ruled a specific territory (the Atrebates) under Roman authority, not all of Britain.

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Danebury Hill Fort is described as a Roman military camp established after the conquest.

Answer: False

Explanation: Danebury Hill Fort is described as a prehistoric site, indicating its use predates the Roman conquest and was not primarily a Roman military camp.

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Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain took place in 55 AD and 54 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain occurred in 55 BC and 54 BC.

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Silchester is mentioned as the location where Commius ruled before becoming a client king.

Answer: False

Explanation: Silchester is mentioned as the location where Commius was based as a client king, not necessarily where he ruled before that appointment.

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The term 'prehistoric site' implies the location was only used during the Roman era.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'prehistoric site' refers to a location with human activity before written records, not exclusively during the Roman era.

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Who was Commius, and what was his status after Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain?

Answer: He was the ruler of the Atrebates tribe, appointed as a client king.

Explanation: Commius, ruler of the Atrebates tribe, was appointed as a client king by the Romans following Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain.

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Approximately when did Commius begin issuing coins under his own name?

Answer: Around 30 BC.

Explanation: Commius is known to have started striking coins in his own name from approximately 30 BC.

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What is a 'client king' in the context of Roman Britain, as exemplified by Commius?

Answer: A local ruler subordinate to Rome, maintaining some autonomy.

Explanation: A client king was a local ruler who maintained some degree of autonomy but was subordinate to Rome, acting under its authority or influence.

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What is generally characteristic of 'Celtic coinage' from Britain during the Iron Age?

Answer: Distinctive artistic styles reflecting local culture.

Explanation: Celtic coinage from Iron Age Britain is characterized by distinctive artistic styles that reflect local cultural traditions and political structures, rather than standardized Roman designs.

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What is the significance of the name Esunertos being recorded in Gaul during the Roman period?

Answer: It indicates a shared linguistic or cultural heritage between Gaul and Britain.

Explanation: The recording of the name Esunertos in Gaul during the Roman period suggests a shared linguistic or cultural heritage between Gaul and Britain, particularly among Celtic populations.

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What does the term 'client state' imply about Commius's kingdom after Caesar's invasion?

Answer: It was subordinate to Rome, though possibly with local autonomy.

Explanation: A client state is subordinate to a more powerful entity. Commius's kingdom, as a client state, was under Roman authority, though it may have retained some degree of local autonomy.

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What is the significance of Danebury Hill Fort being described as a 'prehistoric site'?

Answer: It was a location of human activity before written records began.

Explanation: Describing Danebury Hill Fort as a 'prehistoric site' indicates it was a location of human activity prior to the advent of written records, likely serving various functions during the Iron Age and earlier periods.

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What specific years are associated with Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain mentioned in the text?

Answer: 55 BC and 54 BC

Explanation: Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain occurred in the years 55 BC and 54 BC.

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What specific role is Silchester mentioned for in relation to Commius?

Answer: It was the administrative base appointed for him as a client king.

Explanation: Silchester is mentioned as the administrative base appointed for Commius when he became a client king following Julius Caesar's invasion.

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Numismatic Significance and Recent Discoveries

Before the Test Valley discovery, coins similar to Esunertos's were correctly identified as belonging to the Belgae tribe.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to the Test Valley discovery, coins similar to Esunertos's had been mistakenly identified as unsigned issues belonging to the Belgae tribe, indicating a previous misattribution.

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Spink & Son announced the sale of an Esunertos coin at auction in April 2023.

Answer: False

Explanation: Spink & Son announced the sale of an Esunertos coin at auction in September 2023, not April 2023.

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The Esunertos coin sold at auction for £20,400, setting a record for any Iron Age coin ever sold.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Esunertos coin sold for £20,400, setting a record for any Quarter-Stater ever sold at auction, but not necessarily for any Iron Age coin overall.

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The record price for the Esunertos coin was announced on 28 October 2023.

Answer: False

Explanation: The record price for the Esunertos coin was announced on 28 September 2023, not 28 October 2023.

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The Celtic Coin Index is a collection of Roman coins found in Britain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Celtic Coin Index is a specialized resource for the study of Celtic coinage found in Britain, not Roman coins.

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Attributing coins to the Belgae tribe before correct identification implies the Belgae were a minor, insignificant group in Iron Age Britain.

Answer: False

Explanation: Attributing coins to the Belgae tribe suggests they were a significant group whose coinage or style was influential enough to be confused with that of other rulers.

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What significant discovery related to Esunertos was made in March 2023?

Answer: A metal detectorist discovered a gold quarter stater coin.

Explanation: In March 2023, a metal detectorist named Lewis Fudge discovered a gold quarter stater coin associated with Esunertos in a field within the Test Valley area of Hampshire.

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In which specific area was the gold quarter stater coin of Esunertos discovered in March 2023?

Answer: The Test Valley area of Hampshire.

Explanation: The gold quarter stater coin of Esunertos discovered in March 2023 was found in a field within the Test Valley area of Hampshire.

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To which numismatic experts or bodies was the newly discovered coin of Esunertos reported?

Answer: The Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Celtic Coin Index at the Ashmolean Museum.

Explanation: The newly discovered coin was reported to numismatic experts associated with the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Celtic Coin Index, which is maintained at the Ashmolean Museum.

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What was the previous understanding of some coins before the Test Valley discovery of Esunertos's coin?

Answer: They had been mistakenly identified as unsigned issues belonging to the Belgae tribe.

Explanation: Prior to the Test Valley discovery, some coins similar to Esunertos's had been mistakenly identified as unsigned issues belonging to the Belgae tribe, indicating a previous misattribution.

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When did Spink & Son announce that a coin of Esunertos would be sold at auction?

Answer: September 2023

Explanation: Spink & Son confirmed that a coin of Esunertos would be sold at auction in September 2023.

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What was the final sale price of the Esunertos coin at the Spink auction, including buyer's premium?

Answer: £20,400

Explanation: The final sale price of the Esunertos coin at the Spink auction, including the buyer's premium, was £20,400.

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What specific record did the sale price of the Esunertos coin set?

Answer: A new record for any Quarter-Stater ever sold at auction.

Explanation: The sale price of £20,400 for the Esunertos coin set a new auction record specifically for any Quarter-Stater.

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On what date did Spink & Son announce the record-breaking sale of the Esunertos coin?

Answer: 28 September 2023

Explanation: Spink & Son announced the record-breaking sale of the Esunertos coin on 28 September 2023.

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What is the role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme regarding archaeological finds?

Answer: To encourage the recording of archaeological discoveries made by the public.

Explanation: The Portable Antiquities Scheme encourages the public, particularly metal detectorists, to record their archaeological discoveries, facilitating the study and preservation of significant finds.

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What is the Ashmolean Museum's connection to the study of Esunertos's coin?

Answer: It houses the Celtic Coin Index, consulted by numismatic experts.

Explanation: The Ashmolean Museum houses the Celtic Coin Index, a vital resource consulted by numismatic experts for the identification and study of coins like that of Esunertos.

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What does the mention of the 'Belgae tribe' in relation to previously misidentified coins imply?

Answer: The Belgae were a prominent group whose coinage or style might have been confused with others.

Explanation: The mention of the Belgae tribe in relation to misidentified coins suggests they were a significant group in Iron Age Britain, whose coinage or stylistic conventions may have been influential or confused with those of other rulers.

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What is the significance of the coin discovery in the Test Valley of Hampshire?

Answer: It helps geographically pinpoint Esunertos's sphere of influence in Britain.

Explanation: The coin discovery in the Test Valley of Hampshire is significant as it helps to geographically pinpoint Esunertos's sphere of influence within Britain.

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Associated Figures and Terminology

The abbreviation 'fl.' used in reference to Esunertos indicates the period when he was deceased.

Answer: False

Explanation: The abbreviation 'fl.' is derived from the Latin term 'floruit,' signifying the period during which an individual was active or flourishing, not deceased.

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Esunertos's name is interpreted to mean 'mighty as Esos', referring to a contemporary Celtic god.

Answer: True

Explanation: The interpretation of Esunertos's name as 'mighty as Esos' indicates its theophoric nature, linking the ruler to the Celtic deity Esus and suggesting an invocation of divine power.

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The second half of the 1st century BC encompasses the years from 1 BC to 50 AD.

Answer: False

Explanation: The second half of the 1st century BC typically refers to the period from 50 BC to 1 BC.

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The term 'usurper' implies Esunertos might have peacefully co-ruled with Commius.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'usurper' implies an attempt to seize power or territory unlawfully, suggesting potential conflict or illegitimate rule, rather than peaceful co-rule.

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The term 'quarter stater' suggests the coin was a rare, high-value denomination used for major transactions.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'quarter stater' is a fractional denomination, indicating it was one-fourth of a stater, not necessarily a high-value coin for major transactions.

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Numismatics is the study of ancient pottery and ceramics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Numismatics is the study and collection of currency, including coins, tokens, and paper money.

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The footnote regarding Esunertos's name confirms its meaning is solely related to Gaulish deities and not found elsewhere.

Answer: False

Explanation: The footnote indicates the theophoric nature of the name is attested in Continental Europe, but it does not state the meaning is solely related to Gaulish deities or not found elsewhere.

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The buyer's premium is a discount offered to collectors who purchase multiple coins at auction.

Answer: False

Explanation: A buyer's premium is an additional fee charged by the auction house to the winning bidder, not a discount.

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The interpretation of Esunertos's name suggests he wished to be perceived as ordinary and lacking divine association.

Answer: False

Explanation: The interpretation of Esunertos's name as 'mighty as Esos' suggests a desire to associate with divine power, not to be perceived as ordinary.

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What was Esunertos's relationship with Commius, according to the text?

Answer: It is unclear if Esunertos was a friend or a usurper of Commius.

Explanation: The text indicates that the precise relationship between Esunertos and Commius is uncertain, with possibilities including friendship or Esunertos acting as a usurper.

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What does the abbreviation 'fl.' signify when referring to Esunertos's active period?

Answer: It stands for 'floruit', indicating the period of activity.

Explanation: The abbreviation 'fl.' is derived from the Latin term 'floruit,' signifying the period during which an individual was active or flourishing.

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What is numismatics?

Answer: The collection and study of currency, including coins and paper money.

Explanation: Numismatics is the specialized field concerned with the collection, study, and authentication of currency, particularly coins and medals.

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What does the interpretation of Esunertos's name as 'mighty as Esos' suggest about the cultural context?

Answer: A connection to Celtic deities, possibly invoking divine power.

Explanation: The interpretation of Esunertos's name as 'mighty as Esos' suggests a connection to Celtic deities, indicating the ruler may have invoked divine power or association, reflecting the religious landscape of the time.

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Approximately what range of years does the 'second half of the 1st century BC' encompass?

Answer: 50 BC to 1 BC

Explanation: The 'second half of the 1st century BC' generally refers to the period from 50 BC to 1 BC.

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What does the term 'usurper' imply about Esunertos's potential relationship with Commius?

Answer: Esunertos may have attempted to seize power or territory from Commius.

Explanation: The term 'usurper' suggests that Esunertos might have attempted to unlawfully seize power or territory that was under Commius's control, implying potential conflict or political instability.

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What does the term 'quarter stater' imply about the coin's denomination?

Answer: It was a fractional denomination, specifically one-fourth of a stater.

Explanation: The term 'quarter stater' denotes a fractional denomination of ancient coinage, representing one-fourth of a full stater.

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What does the term 'theophoric' mean in relation to Esunertos's name?

Answer: It means the name incorporates the name of a deity.

Explanation: A theophoric name is one that incorporates the name of a deity. The interpretation of Esunertos's name as 'mighty as Esos' confirms its theophoric nature.

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What does the term 'Buyer's Premium' refer to in the context of the auction sale?

Answer: An additional fee charged by the auction house to the winning bidder.

Explanation: A buyer's premium is an additional fee charged by an auction house to the winning bidder, calculated as a percentage of the hammer price.

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