A comparative analysis of Romano-British site coin finds
A database containing information on over 35,000 coins from sites in southern Britain was established. This was used to investigate chronological and geographical distributions of fourth century Roman coinage in Britain, and the role of coins in archaeological dating. The regularity of finds supports a view of official supply policy as the principal determinant of the coins used, deposited and subsequently recovered. Throughout the fourth century, Britain received supplies of bronze from up to three mints of which one was always the primary source. One or two secondary sources supplemented this, particularly at times of major new issues. The few finds from other mints represent material that arrived through circulation and exchange. The only clear geographical variation Was after 388AD when new issues failed to circulate extensively beyond the towns. Variations between sites are related to differences in coin using and depositing practices. Three groups of sites were recognised: towns and larger settlements, villas and rural buildings, and temples. Differences between these are most apparent after 350AD when circulation and use underwent significant changes in the rural areas. Typical excavations of rural
Ryan, N. S.
Coinage in Roman Britain
A comparative analysis of Romano-British site coin finds. A database containing information on over 35,000 coins from sites in southern Britain was established. This was used to investigate chronological and geographical distributions of fourth century Roman coinage in Britain, and the role of coins in archaeological dating. The regularity of finds supports a view of official supply policy as the principal determinant of the coins used, deposited and subsequently recovered. Throughout the fourth century, Britain received supplies of bronze from up to three mints of which one was always the primary source. One or two secondary sources supplemented this, particularly at times of major new issues. The few finds from other mints represent material that arrived through circulation and exchange. The only clear geographical variation Was after 388AD when new issues failed to circulate extensively beyond the towns. Variations between sites are related to differences in coin using and depositing practices. Three groups of sites were recognised: towns and larger settlements, villas and rural buildings, and temples. Differences between these are most apparent after 350AD when circulation and use underwent significant changes in the rural areas. Typical excavations of rural
comparative_analysis romano_british site coin_find database contain information coin site_southern britain establish use_investigate chronological_geographical distribution roman coinage britain role coin archaeological dating regularity find support_view official supply policy principal determinant coin_use deposit subsequently recover throughout_britain receive supply bronze mint always primary_source secondary_source supplement particularly time major new issue find mint represent material arrive circulation exchange clear geographical variation new issue fail circulate extensively beyond town variations site related difference coin_use practice three_group site recognise town large settlement villa rural building temple differences apparent circulation use underwent significant_change rural_area typical excavation rural