Record ID: HAMP-F6F384 - ROMAN coin

Previous object: SF-F6FD28 : Roman coin Next object: YORYM-F70826 : Early medieval ingot

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Coin

Unique ID: HAMP-F6F384

Object type certainty: Certain

A resized image of Roman coin: Solidus of Honorius

CORONER'S REPORT

An early 5th-century gold solidus of Honorius (393-423 AD), 'VICTORIA AVGGG', struck at Ravenna, 402-406 AD (R.I.C. 1287d) found in relation with find ID HAMP-F71BD4.

The coins

The coins, both gold solidi, were issued by the Roman emperor Honorius (AD 393-423). One was made at the mint in his then capital Ravenna between AD 402-6, while the other was made at nearby Milan in the period AD 395-402. Catalogue has been produced by Robert Webley, Finds Liaison Officer for Hampshire.

Previous finds of gold coins at Fareham

The first single gold coin find was made at this spot at Fareham, 5^th January 2006, and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, find ID HAMP-F927E7. It did not qualify as potential treasure at the time but was subsequently purchased by the Hampshire Museum Service. The second gold coin was found by Mr Stevens with the aid of a metal detector on 21^st June 2006, and also acquired by Hampshire Museum Service through the Treasure act 1996 (HM Coroner report 13^th July 2006; BM ref. 2006 T321).

From the same find?

All four gold coins found so far at this spot in Fareham were made for the emperor Honorius and could easily have been in circulation together before forming part of the same deposit in the early fifth century AD. Gold coins in ancient and medieval times were extremely valuable items and would be highly unlikely to have been dropped accidentally (In the fifth century four solidi appear to have represented a soldier's yearly subsistence).

Metal content?

At this period great efforts were made by the Romans to refine gold and silver for their coinage (they carried mint-markings guaranteeing the processes) and such coins were usually as pure as was then technologically possible (greater than 95%).

Conclusion

On the balance of probabilities, these coins belong together as a hoard and constitute a prima facie case of treasure by being precious metal coins of an antiquity greater than 300 years and are of one find of more than two pieces. Further they would appear to be addenda to the previous two finds of similar coins giving a new total of four gold coins for the Fareham hoard.

Notes:

The coin is in very good condition (extremely fine). Found susbsequent to an initial single find (HAMP-F927E7), and later second (HAMP-D43CA3); the resultant small hoard was put through the Treasure process (2006 T321). This coin was found at the same time as one other; the pair were put through as addendum 2007 T449.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Treasure details

Treasure case tracking number: 2007T449

Chronology

Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: AD 402
Date to: AD 406

Dimensions and weight

Thickness: 1.1 mm
Weight: 4.47 g
Diameter: 21.3 mm
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Primary material: Gold [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Complete [scope notes | view all attributed records]

Coin data (numismatics)

Denomination: Solidus [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Ruler/issuer: Honorius (emperor) [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Reece period: Period 22 [402-445] [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Mint or issue place: Ravenna (Italy) [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Obverse description: Bust of Emperor, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed facing right
Obverse inscription: D N HONORI-VS P F AVG
Reverse description: Emperor standing right holding standard and Victory on globe; with his left foot he spurns a seated bound captive
Reverse inscription: VICTORI-A AVGGG
Die axis measurement: 6 o'clock [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Degree of wear: Slightly worn: very fine [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Fourth Century reverse type: VICTORIA AVGG [scope notes | View all attributed records]
Reverse mintmark: R/V//COMOB

Coin references

RIC : X 1286d (p. 328)

Spatial data

Region: South East And London
County: Hampshire
District: Fareham
Parish: Stubbington

Restricted 4 Figure grid reference: SU5404
The map has been degraded and provides an approximate location with a degree of random obfuscation.
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.

Method of discovery: Metal detector [scope notes]
General landuse: Cultivated land [scope notes]

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Friday 31st August 2007

Personal details

Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Mr Robert Webley - [ view all attributed records]
Identified by: Mr Robert Webley - [view all attributed records]

Other reference numbers

Treasure case number: 2007T449

References cited

No references cited so far.

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