Art Funded by you

Shillington coin hoard

Unknown artist, 128 BC–79 AD

A hoard of 123 gold and 7 silver Roman coins. The gold coins represented the largest 1st-century hoard discovered in Britain and one of only a handful of large early-Imperial Roman hoards known in the Empire. The aurei were issued by seven emperors: Tiberius, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vittellius and Vespasian. Many rare types are represented among them, along with one unique type. The coins are all in good or very fine condition. The silver coin hoard, recovered a few metres away from the gold coins, contains Republican and Imperial issues, including a coin issued by the emperor Vespasian. It is likely that the silver coin hoard was originally buried at about the same time as the gold hoard. Roman gold coin hoards are extremely rare. Both hoards suggest the late Iron Age practice of depositing groups of gold and silver items as votive offerings, as at Snettisham in Norfolk. It is likely that the site where the hoards were buried was a religious or 'cult' site.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Shillington coin hoard, 128 BC–79 AD

Date supported

1999

Medium and material

Gold & silver

Grant

40000

Total cost

200000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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