Rights Holder: Northamptonshire County Council
CC License:
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Unique ID: NARC-2B91B8
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
A worn 4th-century Roman clipped silver siliqua of Valens (364-78), VRBS ROMA, Trier, 367-75. RIC IX 27b/e & 54a/b. The coin is incomplete, now consisting of two fragments with a further element now lost. This fragmentation was caused when the coin broke at a weak point created by two holes which perforated the obverse face. The holes are suggestive of reuse as a jewellery item.
Notes:
Coins found in Anglo-Saxon graves sometimes have double piercings.
The British Museum clarified its advice on modified coins in April 2017. Single precious metal coins from the Iron Age to AD 1180 which have been modified in any way, including by a single piercing, are now thought to fulfil the criteria for Treasure because they should be regarded as single precious metal objects. This item was recorded before the advice was clarified, otherwise it would have been reported as potential Treasure.
Evidence of reuse: Possibly as an item of jewellery
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: AD 367
Date to: AD 375
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 1.3 mm
Weight: 1.3 g
Diameter: 15.2 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 1st August 2005
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Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Incomplete
Denomination: Siliqua
Denomination qualifier: Certain
Ruler/issuer: Valens
Primary ruler qualifier: Probably
Reece period: Period 19 [364-378]
Mint or issue place: Trier
Mint qualifier: Probably
Obverse description: Emperor pearl-diademed facing right
Obverse inscription: DN VALEN [S P F AVG]
Reverse description: Roma seated left on throne holding sceptre and Victory on globe (obscured by losses)
Reverse inscription: [VRBS ROMA]
Die axis measurement: 6 o'clock
Reverse mint mark: -//(TRPS)
Status: Clipped
Status qualifier: Certain
No coin references available.
4 Figure: SP5965
Four figure Latitude: 52.279988
Four figure longitude: -1.136607
1:25K map: SP5965
1:10K map: SP56NE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.