XXX11 
PROCEEDINGS OE THE 
several of the links are missing. When the type was placed before 
a Roman engraver, it must have been difficult for him to understand 
its meaning. The general resemblance to a full face with wings 
above is, however, evident, and there can be hut little doubt that 
some classical artist reproduced it as the head of Medusa on the 
coin engraved below. One thing is certain, that the coins of the 
two types are found together. 
On another descendant of the Philippus not shown in the Plate, 
the wreath and hair become represented by a series of diverging 
lines, and from a coin of this kind it appears probable that the 
vine-leaf on the coins of Yerica (‘Evans,’ PI. II, 9) was derived. 
Such a complete change of the human head might appear incredible, 
hut there are other instances. 
The close resemblance of the 
types of the first two coins in 
the annexed cut is evident, 
though the general device is 
in one case turned to the 
right and in the other to the 
left. The third coin shows 
/ 
2 
3 
that the device on the second is a hoar, and on turning the page 
round at a right angle it will be seen that on the first is portrayed 
a human head in profile. These are silver coins from the eastern 
district. 
It was thought needless to show the derivation of numerous 
types of coins belonging to the latter part of the series from Roman 
originals; and the bearing of the development of type upon the 
classification of the coins was next discussed. 
As a rule those most distant from the prototype in character are 
the latest, though, of course, regard must be had to the locality to 
which the coins belong, as the districts nearest Gaul were exposed 
to different conditions from those more remote. 
But, beside the succession of types, there is another important 
guide, which also results from a law that appears to he natural to 
all absolute governments which strike coins, if not indeed to other 
ruling powers. This is the great law of effecting economy at the 
expense of others, which is carried into effect by striking coins of the 
same denomination as those already in circulation, but either of less 
weight or of baser alloy, or both. 
In England we have been fairly'free from the operation of this 
law, but our silver penny weighs but grains, instead of the real 
“pennyweight” of 24 grains. In Scotland, however, before the 
Union, the diminution in weight had been carried so far that the 
pound Scots was the equivalent of only one shilling and eightpence 
English. But for the successful application of this law the palm 
must be awarded to Erance, where the franc or livre, and its parts, 
the sou and denier, are direct descendants from the same stock as 
our £. s. d. 
We have already seen how in many respects the ancient Britons 
were far removed from that barbarism with which they are so 
