Coin Bronze, Yllycci with Bird - 70 / 42 BC

Reverse: YLLYCCI

The obverse features a head facing right, with hair divided into large stylised locks, beaded on the inside.

The reverse depicts a bird facing left, accompanied by a set of characteristic symbols: a pentagram, an S-shape, and two centred annulets behind the tail. The legend inscribed on the reverse most likely refers to a monetary magistrate or a local issuing authority.

The Senones, a Gaulish people established in the region of present-day Sens (Yonne), held a strategic position in central Gaul. Their territory was surrounded by the Carnutes, the Aedui, and the Parisii. At the time this bronze was issued, Gaul was experiencing deep tensions linked to Roman expansion. The conquest led by Julius Caesar between 58 and 52 BC disrupted the political balance. The Senones, initially in an ambiguous position towards Rome, took part in the Gaulish uprisings of that period. The Battle of Alesia in 52 BC marked the end of organised resistance. This bronze thus bears witness to an active local monetary production in a context of major political and military transformations.