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T" O
I
COINS OF THE ROMANS
RELATING TO
BRITAIN.
' Quis est quein non moveat tot clarUsimls monumentis testata cunsignataquc
antiquitas." — Cicebo.
" Factum abiit — monumenta raanent." — Ovid.
A F PA l^\ Tl ■ S l-i )H <■ A.s 11 .\' ' I'*-' M A'^' <-*-^l N S
TS;.ir--^iaMr ■ i'-*^'',,i,: V-
COINS OF THE ROMANS
RELATING TO
BRITAIN
DESCEIBED AND ILLUSTRATED
JOHN YONGE AKERMAN,
FELLOW OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OP LONDON,
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETIES OF EDINBURGH AND NEWCASTLE-
UPON-TYNE,
ONE OF THE HONORARY SECRETARIES OF THE NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF LONDON, AND
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF FRANCE.
LONDON:
JOHN RUSSELL SMITH,
OLD COMPTON STREET, SOHO SQDAUE.
M.DCCC.XI.IV.
LONDON :
PRINTED BY J. WERTIIEIMEII AND CO.
CIRCUS PLACE, FINSBURY CIRCUS.
TO
JOHN LEE, ESQUIRE,
OF HARTWELL HALL, IN THE COUNTY OF BUCKINGHAM,
LL.D., P.R.S., F.S.A., F.R.A.S.,
LATE PRESIDENT OF THE NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF LONDON.
u.
O
My dear Sir,
Some years since you had the kindness
to consent to my dedicating to you a small and
imperfect work, bearing the same title as the
present, as an acknowledgment of your readiness
on all occasions to assist those Avho were engaged
VI DEDICATION.
in promoting a more general taste for numismatic
studies in this country.
Suffer mc now to present to you a volume on
the same subject, in an improved form and mth
many additions, and to express a hope that the
favour with which its predecessor was regarded,
will be extended to that which now claims your
indulgence.
I am, my dear Sir,
With much gratitude and respect.
Your faithful and obliged,
John Yonge Akekman.
Lewisham,
October 1 , 1 843.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
The object of this little work, is to bring under
one view the coins of the Romans which relate
to the province of Britain. It is hoped that
such an attempt mil not only find favour
with the antiquary and the numismatist, but
will also interest aU who are curious in the
early history of our island; some of the prin-
cipal events in which, during a long period of
the Roman occupation, are recorded on the coins
of the conquerors.
The remark of Gibbon, that " diligence and
accuracy are the only merits which a historical
writer may ascribe to himself," is still more
applicable to compilations of this description:
there is little room for fancy or ornament; but
the authentic information which they supply,
affords ample amends for any deficiency of
Mil PREFACE.
style, and supplies the place of" elaborate em-
bellishment.
I must add, that the notes for this tract were
made during brief intervals of leisure, and that
I have taken great pains to exclude such coins
as are of questionable authenticity. To those
who may complain of its brevity, I have only to
remark, that I might have made it much larger
if I had dealt in conjecture ; but, as I preferred
matter of fact to Avild speculation, and rejected
the fanciful relations of the over-zealous for the
indisputable evidence of antiquity, I could not
have increased its size "wdthout travelling beyond
the limits I had prescribed to myself.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Introduction. — Roman British coins ill-engraved by
Camden, Speed, and Pinkerton — Roman coins re-
peatedly found in immense numbers in England and
other countries — Their legends and types — Im-
perishable nature of numismatic monuments — Op-
pressive taxation of the Romans . . . .1 — 7
Britain not conquered by Julius Caesar — The island
remained unmolested during the reigns of Augustus
and Cahgula — First subjugated bv Claudius — Gold
and silver coins of Claudius recording victories in
Britain — Orthography of Britannia — Silver medal-
lions of Claudius with " de BRITANNIS" . . 9 — 16
Britannicus. — Coins of Cotys, king of the Bosphorus,
with the head of this prince . . . .17 — 21
Domitianus. — No coins of this emperor with records
of victories in Britain ...... 21 — 22
Hadrianus. — Brass coin i-ecording his arrival in Bri-
tain — Other coins in that metal with " Britannia"
— No gold or silver coins with similar legends or
types 22 — 26
Antoninus Pius. — His coins often found in England
— Supposed gold coin with " britan." — Coin with
the type of Victory — The statues of that deity long
respected after the growth of Christianity — Varieties
of brass coins of this emperor commemorating vic-
tories in the province ....... 27 — 3o
CONTENTS.
CoMMODUs. — Medallions of this emperor with " Brit-
tania" — Orthography supposed hy Dr. Grotefend
to be imitated from the Greek — Large brass coin
with " VICT. BRIT." ...... 35 — 39
Severus. — His military ardour and restless ambition
— Revolt of the Britons — Campaign of Severus and
Caracalla — Death of Severus at York — Coins com-
memorating his victories in the province . . 39 — 47
Clodius Albinus. — His parentage — Governor of
Britain — Treachery of Severus — Defeat and death
of Albinus in Gaul — His coins and their types de-
scribed — Singular representation of the Carthaginian
deity, Atwv 47 — 59
Caracalla. — Return of Caracalla from Britain — Mur-
der of Geta — Singular coins of Stratonicea and of
Pergamus, with the head of Geta erased — Caracalla
styled " Antoninus Pius" on his coins — Types of his
coins recording victories in Britain . . . 59 — 64
Geta. — His coins also bear records of victories in the
province ........ 65 — 69
Roman Coin Moulds discovered in England and
France — Accounts of discoveries of great numbers
at Edington, in Somersetshire — Ryton in Shropshire
— Lingwell-Gate in Yorkshire, and also at Lyons,
Damery, &c. — The Reverend J. B. Reade's mode
of ascertaining the place in which these moulds
were made — Discoveries of moulds at Castor, in
Northamptonshire ...... 69 — 102
PosTUMUS. — No coins of his known to have been
struck in Britain, though his rule probably extended
to the province . . . . . . . 103
ViCTORiNUS. — His coins found repeatedly in Britain
— No coins of Victorina his mother . . . 1 04
Marius. — His brass coins not uncommon, and found
occasionally in Britain, notwithstanding the short-
CONTENTS. XI
PAGE
ness of his reign — Conjecture as to practices of the
usurpers of the period in regard to their coins . 104 — 105
Tetricus. — His rule probably extended to Britain . 106
Diocletian and Maximian. — Coins of the latter with
LON. in the exergue, indicating the mint of London
— Remarkable gold coins of Maximian, with
" AVGGG." and the letters ml. in the exergue . 107 — 109
Carausius. — A man of mean extraction — His usurpa-
tion — Remarkable coin with " vitavi" — Rapacity
and insolence of the Romans in Britain — Coins
with " PAX AVGGG." — Murder of Carausius by Al-
lectus — Absurd reveries of Stukeley — The remark-
able legends, " expectate veni" and " caravsivs
ET FRATRES svi" — Alphabetical list of the coins of
Carausius, in gold, silver, and brass . . 110 — 146
Allectus. — Recovery of Britain by the Romans, and
death of Allectus — The legends " laetitia" and
" viRTVs AVG. " on his coins — Alphabetical list of
coins in gold, silver, and brass . . . 146 — 155
CoNSTANTiNus Magnus. — His Small brass coins, with
PLON. in the exergue, described . . . 156 — 161
Fausta. — Small brass with letters of the London
mint 161—162
Crispws- — Small brass with similar letters . . 162 — 163
CoNSTANTiNUS JuNioR. — Small brass with similar
letters 163—164
CoNSTANTius JuNiOR. — Small brass with similar
letters 164 — 165
Helena. — Small brass with similar letters . . 165 — 166
Magnus Maximus. — No coins with exergual letters
denoting the London mint . . . . 166
Emblematical representation of Britain on Roman
coins . . . . . . . .167 — 168
Postscript . . , . . . . . 168
INTRODUCTION.
In the foUomng pages I have endeavoured to
describe a series of ancient coins, which, though
not comprising the finest specimens of numismatic
art, must, to an Enghshman, be of all others the
most interesting. The plates have been engraved,
with the most strict attention to accuracy, from
drawings made expressly for this work from tlie
well-preserved originals in the British Museum,
from the national collection at Paris and Vienna,
and various private cabinets in this country.
Some of these coins have been figured in Camden,
Speed, and other writers on the early history of
Britain ; but all so unlike the originals as to cause
much embarrassment to the inexperienced col-
lector. Even Pinkerton, ever ready to pounce
upon the errors of others, contented himself with.
^
Z INTIUJDUCTION.
copying ill-engraved and un authenticated repre-
sentations. The plates, therefore, which accom-
pany this volume claim the attention of the
numismatist on the score of their fidelity.
I have confined myself to a description of those
coins only which have direct allusion to Britain.
It is probable that others were struck by the
Romans to commemorate events in this country ;
but, in order to save much repetition, I have,
with few exceptions, given descriptions of those
only which bear the word Britannia either at
length, or in a contracted form, and such as
may be considered to have been minted in this
country.
The coins of the Romans have descended to us
in prodigious numbers. In every country once
included in their vast empire, numerous hoards
in the three metals, have, from time to time, been
brought to light. In England, France, Italy,
Germany, and the more remote provinces of the
East, innumerable discoveries during the last two
centuries have enriched the cabinets of the curious,
and proved a source of information and delight
to the historian, the antiquary, and the artist.
With a foresight Avhich has seldom been evinced
INTRODUCTION. 6
by modern nations, the Romans celebrated those
deeds which have been the admiration of suc-
ceeding ages, in a manner peculiarly their owii.
Time and accident might destroy temples and
statues, upon which the genius and skill of the
architect and the sculptor had been lavished, but
their coins were calculated to perpetuate their
fame to the remotest times. The triumphal
arch, defaced and overthro^vn, exhibits but dis-
jointed portions of its once high-sounding in-
scription ; but numerous coins remain uninjured,
bearuio; the sententious legends — Ivdaea Capta
— VicToEiAE Brittannicae — Aegypto Capta
and a multitude of others of almost equal in-
terest. " If all our historians were lost to us,"
says Gibbon, " medals and inscriptions would
alone record the travels of Hadrian." The coins
of the Romans were, in fact, their gazettes,
which were published in the most distant pro-
vinces ; and they are at this day discovered in
remote regions where our own records have,
in all probability, never reached. Did they
obtain a victory or reduce a province, coins
were issued in vast numbers, upon which the
vanquished were depicted with their charac-
teristic arms and costume. Did the emperor
visit the province as pacificator, coins appeared,
upon which he was represented in a civic habit,
4 INTRODUCTION.
raising up the prostrate female who represents
the country Avhich had won the imperial favour.
The remission of taxes, the raising of temples to
their deities, and public buildings for the people,
the forming of public ways, the celebration of
games and sacrifices, and the records of traditions
Avhen Rome herself was young, are all found in
infinite variety on the coins of that once mighty
empire.
Such were the tyj^es which the Romans im-
pressed upon their coins — " the common drudge
of retail trafiic." Of their execution as works of
art, enough has been already said by various
writers, and we know that they have been the
admiration of the most eminent sculptors of
modern times, who have freely confessed that
though in mechanical finish the coins of our days
surpass those of the ancients, yet in originahty
of design, and boldness and vigour of style and
execution, the commonest coins of Greece and
Rome are far superior.
We have had interesting evidence in our OAvn
times of the imperishable nature of numismatic
monuments. On the restoration of the Bour-
bons, the exposure of a picture or bust of the em-
peror Napoleon was severely punished, while the
INTRODUCTION. 5
coins Avith his name and effigy were circulating
throughout France ! Kings may be deposed, but
their image and superscription remain, and defy
the malice of the destroyer. The senate could
order the destruction of Caligula's statues and
busts, but they had no power to eradicate his
coinage ; and their attempts to do so were ut-
terly abortive, as the cabinets of our collectors
attest.
My observations are, for the most part,
confined to the coins themselves. A history
of Roman Britain could not have been com-
prised wdthin the hmits of a work hke the
present; indeed, the first records of most coun-
tries present a finer field for the imagination of
the poet than the sober relation of the historian :
yet, replete "with fable and romance as is the
early history of Britain, it is some consolation to
the antiquary to find a few authentic rehcs which
bear upon the early times of our ancestors. If
we could receive the glowing description of
Claudian as the real history of Roman conquest,
we might readily beheve that Britain was happy
while under a foreign yoke; but we know, on
the contrary, that the embrace of the Roman
" mother," as she is falsely styled by the poet,
was that of a tigress. From the first landing of
6 INTRODUCTION.
Julius Caesar to the final abandoiiinent of the
island by the Romans, the history of Britain
presents, with few intervals, one long scene of
cruelty and extortion. Barbarian retaliation
frequently followed civilized aggression, and war
and slaughter were often preferred by the
wi'etched islanders to the grinding taxation of
their oj)pressors. Of the manner in which the
taxes of the Romans were laid upon conquered
countries, we have many relations: even their
own poet, Juvenal, has lashed them for the
cruel exactions practised upon those states which
had the misfortune to become tributary to
them.* Wretched indeed must have been the
condition of the Britons when the Romans
quitted for ever their island province. Debased
by long servitude and tainted by the vices of
* The satirist says, that they fleeced conquered princes who
depended upon them, devouring them " even to the marrow of
their bones :" —
" Ossa vides Regum vacuis exhausta medullis :" Sat. viii. —
and that their exactions in time of peace were more rigorous
than in war. Such perfect masters were they of the art of
enslaving, that tributary kings were often made the instruments
of oppression. Thus Tacitus, in his Hfc of Agricola, says that
Cogidunus, a British prince, had several cities bestowed upon
him for his fidelity to the Romans : he further adds, that it
was the practice of that people to make even kings the instru-
ments of servitude.
INTRODUCTION. 7
their civilized oppressors, they were an easy prey
to the barbarian hordes that threatened to over-
whehn them; and of the dark period which
succeeded we have but faint records, unrelieved
by inscriptions or medalhc evidence.
^i-^^^-^^^J^_
Nee stetit Oceano, remisque ingressa profundura,
Vincendos alio qua?sivit in orbe Britannos.
Haec est in gremium victos quae sola recepit,
Humanumque genus communi nomine fovit ;
Matris, non dominse ritu, civesque vocavit
Quos domuit nexuque pio longinqua revinxit.
Claddian, Paneg. 3. in Stiliconem.
COINS OF THE ROMANS RELATING
TO BRITAIN.
We have the direct testimony of Tacitus that
Julius C^sar obtained no portion of Britain, but
rather transmitted to posterity some account of
it.* We must not, therefore, look for any numis-
matic records of the first descent of the Romans
upon this island.
The same author further informs us that the
Romans, fully occupied by their o^\ai intestine
wars, left Britain unmolested; and that, on the
re- establishment of peace, Augustus, from poli-
tical motives, made no attempt upon the island.
* " Igitur primus omnium Romanorum D. Julius cum exer-
citu Britanniam ingressus, quamquam prospera pugna terruerit
incolas, ac litore potitus sit, potest videri ostendisse posteris
non tradidisse." — Vita Agricoke, c. 13. Tliis is corroborated
by Suetonius, in Claud. c.l7, " neque tentatam ulli post D,
Julium."
C
10 COINS OF THE ROMANS
This was considered by Tiberius as a precept
of his predecessor; and Cahgula was perhaps
thwarted in his designs against Britain (if he
ever seriously entertained any) by his ill success
against the Germans.* It was left for Claudius
* The story of his pretended preparation for the invasion of
Britain is well known. Having arrived at the sea- side, he
commanded his soldiers to gather up the shells which were
strewed on the beach ; which he called the spoils of the ocean
due to the Capitol and the Palatium. " Spolia Oceani Capitolio
Palatioque debita" (Suetonius, in Calig. c. 46). The same
writer (c. 44) informs us that he had previously received the
submission of Adminius, the son of Cunobelinus, who had been
driven into exile by his father. This prince brought with him
a small body of troops, who, with their leader, were paraded
before the senate as though the whole island had submitted to
the Roman arms. A correspondent of the " Numismatic
Journal" thus notices the absence of the S. C. on the coins of
Caligula with the legend ADLOCVT. COH. : " It must have
been observed by numismatists that this type wants the S. C.
{senatus consulto). The deficiency, if it occurred on any other
coin than one of this imperial madman, would occasion more
surprise. But he who is said to have intended to make his
horse consul, and who put numbers of senators to death merely
from infuriate malice, may well be supposed to have usurped
their right in this instance, by commanding the allocution
type of his first brass to be struck independently of their
decree. He may have been piqued at their recommending
him to accept of an ovation only, instead of the triumph which
he demanded for his military exploits on the shores of the
German ocean, where, after a pompous harangue, he ordered
the soldiers to fill their helmets with cockle-sheUs as the spoils
of conquest. This usurpation of the senate's right and privilege
EELATING TO BRITAIN. 11
to renew the struggle, which terminated in the
subjugation of a considerable portion of the
island. The first Roman coin having allusion to
Britain is, therefore, of that emperor.
CLAUDIUS.
[a.d. 41 to A.D. 54.]
In the reign of this emperor, a fugitive British
lord, having fled to the Roman court, entertained
him Avith an account of the island, and assured
him that its complete subjugation might be
easily eff'ected. Claudius, it appears, lent a ready
ear to the traitor; and when the ambassadors
entreated that he might be given up to them,
treated their request with disdain, and kept the
fugitive in his favour. This treatment was, of
course, resented. Excuses were not wanting for
a quarrel with the Britons ; and it was now dis-
covered that their tri1)ute had not been regularly
paid. Mutual recrimination followed ; and finally
Plautius, the Roman general, was despatched
may have contributed to induce them, after the tyrant's as-
sassination, to call in and melt his money : from which fact,
the coins of Caligula are comparatively scarce." — Numismatic
Journal, vol. i. p. 134.
12 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Avitli an army into Britain, Avliile Claudius pre-
pared to follow him. After a succession of skir-
mishes, in which the Eomans, though doubtless
•often great sufferers, were generally the victors,
the l>ritons sustained a signal defeat.
Claudius, about this time, landed in person:
Suetonius says it was the only expedition he
undertook. Affecting to despise the triumphal
ornaments decreed to him by the senate, he
determined to earn the honour of an actual
triumph. He sailed from Ostia, but was thrice
compelled by stress of weather to put back.
Finding the elements against him, he proceeded
by land from Massilia (Marseilles) to Gessoriacuni
(Boulogne), whence he took shipping; and soon
after his arrival the greater part of the island
submitted to him.* It is said that the emperor
shewed great clemency to the vanquished Britons,
who paid him divine honours.
Plautius, in reward for his services, obtained
* Dion Cassius, lib. xl. Suetonius in Claud, c. 17. The
accounts of these writers are somewhat conflicting ; and
Suetonius seems to contradict himself, when in one place he
says " sine ullo prselio," &c. (in Claud, c. 17), and in another
" triceis cum hoste conflixit" (in Vesp. c. 4). It can hardly be
supposed that a large portion of Britain, together with the
Isle of Wight, were brought under subjection without some
important engagements.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 13
the government of Britain ; and, after the depar-
ture of the emperor, carried on the war against
the provinces not yet tributary to the Romans.
It is somewhat remarkable that although the
coinao-e of brass was under the control of the
senate,* the gold and silver coins only of this
emperor commemorate his victories in Britain.
Examples in gold are not uncommon, but his
silver coins are scarce. The following type
occurs in both metals: —
Obverse. TI. CLAVD. CAESAR AVG. P. M. TR. P. VI.
IMP. XL Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus,
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunitia Potestate sextum,
Imperator undecirnvm. The laureatedf head of
Claudius to the right, with a dull heavy countenance
and the hair growing down the back of the neck. J
Reverse. DE BRITANN. (or BRITAN. or BRITANNIS), on
the front of a triumphal arch, surmounted by an
equestrian statue between two trophies.
* Denoted by the S.C. {senaius consulto) which almost inva-
riably appears on it. This remark is only necessary for those
who have no practical knowledge of Roman coins. When the
S.C. is found on gold or silver it must be otherwise understood,
and may be considered as referring to a decree of the senate.
\ Suetonius says that Tiberius, when the sky was turbid,
always wore a laurel crown, because it was supposed that the leaf
of the laurel was never touched by lightning. In Tib. c. 69.
X This was peculiar to the family, according to Suetonius,
in Tib. c. 68 ; and it may be remarked in the portraits on the
coins of several of the successors of Claudius.
14 COINS OF THE ROMANS
There is no doubt that the coins bearing this
type were minted to commemorate the triumph
decreed by the senate to Claudius, and celebrated
in the year a.d. 44. The date of the trie. pot.
answers to the year 46 ; by which time, perhaps,
the arch noticed by Dion Cassius, was completed.*
There was an issue of other coins Avith this
type, but mth an alteration in the trie. pot. :
namely, trp viiii. laip. xvi. ; and these were
probably minted to record the enlargement of
the pomoerium or boundaries of Rome, the date
agreeing with an inscription given by Gruter.
TI- CLAVDIVS DRVSI- F- CAISAR
AVG- CtERMANICVS PONT- MAX- TRIE- POT- Villi.
IMP. XVI. COS. IIII. CENSOR P- P.
AVCTIS POPVLI ROMANI FINIBVS
POMERIVM AMPLIAVIT TERMINAVITQ-
It is remarkable that though Claudius repeats
the title iMPerator so often on his coins, he
never uses it as a prcenomen^ nor is it thus
placed on any knoAvn inscription. f
* ' Ai^ica TpoTTato(p6pov. Dion Cass, lib.xl.
t When the title iMPerator precedes the name on Roman
coins, it imphes supreme power ; but when it follows the name,
it is simply a mihtary title. It is found on the coins of Sylla
and of Pompey in the latter sense ; being given to them
as victorious generals. Suetonius, in Claud, c. 12, says
" prpenomine Imperatoris abstinuit ; " a fact which is confirmed
by these and other coins of Claudius ; though on some colonial
examples it is used as a prcenomen obviously in error.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 15
Eckhel* remarks on the mode of spelling the
word BRITANNIA on these coins, namely, Avith
one T, and that the same orthography is observ-
able on those of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius.
It is thus spelled in the well known line of Virgil,
" Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos."f
but on the coins of Severus and his sons we
find the t doubled. It was therefore only in
accordance with the orthography of his period
that Eustathius, remarking on the verse of
Dionysius PeriegetesJ ev6a Bperavol, observes
that the poet had left out one r for the sake
of the metre.
The collection of the British Museum contains
two small silver medallions of Claudius, one of
which was formerly in the Museum Hedervarium.
They are both of the same type, though not from
the same die; and one of them, having shifted
under the blows of the hammer, is imperfectly
struck. The fine collection to which this piece
formerly belonged was, a short time since, sold
by private contract ; and the two medallions were
purchased of Mr. Millingen for the collection of
the British Museum. They are the only two
known, and are a most valuable addition to the
series under notice.
* Doct.Num.Vet. vol.vi. p.240. f Eel. i.67. t v. 284.
l(i COINS OF THE ROMANS
Obverse. TI. CLAVD. CAESAR AVG. GERM. P. M. TR.
P. Tihsrius Claudius Caesar Augiistus Gcr-
manicus, Pontifex Maximus, Trihunilia Potcslate.
The laureated head of the emperor to the left.
Reverse. DE BRITANNIS. The emperor in a quadriga ; his
right hand resting on its edge ; his left holding a
sceptre surmounted hy an eagle.
Yaillant considers the elegant gold quinarius
of Claudius, \vith the figure of Victory resting
her foot on a globe and inscribing a buckler, as
commemorative of events in Britain ; and remarks
on the t}^e, — " ilia pedem globo imponit, quasi
novum orbem sub ditione Romana redegerit :
nam Britannia toto orbe divisa, tanquam alter
Romanis videbatur."* But the absence of a
date renders it very doubtful.
It may be proper to add that the coin with
the type of a female figure holding a rudder and a
vase, given by x-*inkerton,f is not authenticated.
It is doubtless a modern fabrication. The gold
coin, cited by Rasche,J from Mediobarba, and
other writers, is of very questionable authenticity.
* Num. Imp. Rom. torn. ii. p. 37. edit, 1743.
f Essay on Medals, vol. i.
X Lexicon, tom.i. p. 1597.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 17
BRITANNICUS.
[Born a.d. 42. — Poisoned a.d. 55]
This prince, the son of Claudius by Messalina,
was born in the second consulship of his father.
His original name was Germanicus, that of Bri-
tannicus having been given him by the senate,
in consequence of the victories obtained by the
generals of Claudius in Britain;* and by this
he is better known in history. By the intrigues
of his step-mother, Agrippina, he was removed
from the succession to the empire to make way
for her son Nero, and was destroyed during the
festivities of the Saturnalia by the court poisoner,
Locusta.f
The only coin of Roman fabric with the effigy
of Britannicus, is the one described below. It is
of the large brass size, and is noticed by Eckhel,|
as having been first brought to light at Rome in
the year 1773.
Obverse. TI. CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG. F. BRITAN-
NICVS. Tiberius Claudius Ccesar Augusti Filii,
* Dion Cass. lib. Ix. f Tacit. Ann. lib.xiii. c. 16.
X Doct. Num. Vet. vol. vi. p. 254.
D
18 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Britannicus. Bare head of Britannicus to the
right.
Reverse. S. C. Senatus Consulfo. Mars marching to the
right with spear and shield.
Alabanda, Thessalonica, Nicomedia, Ilium, and
other Greek cities, struck coins in honour of this
unfortunate prince;* but as they belong to a
distinct series, they are not here described. f I
cannot, however, pass over t"sv"o coins in the
cabinet of Mr. Thomas, who justly holds them in
high estimation. The first is of gold.
I.
Obverse. No legend. The laureated head of Claudius to
the right.
* See Pellerin, Melanges, torn. ii. p. 28. Id. Rec. torn. ii.
Sestini, Lettere iv. p. 26. Seguin, Selecta Num. and Eckhel,
Doct. Num. Vet. vol. vi. p. 254.
t The coins of Britannicus, though of inferior execution,
are especially interesting from the circumstance of his busts
being of great rarity, Nero having ordered all representations
of this ill-fated youth to be destroyed. A statue of Britannicus
was found some years since near Tivoli, with the attributes of
Bacchus. We are told by Suetonius, that Titus was very
nearly taken off at the banquet at which Britannicus was
destroyed, having partaken of some of the poison ; and that
Titus, when he came to the empire, erected a statue of gold to
his memory, and dedicated an equestrian statue of ivory which
was paraded in the Circensian procession in the days of the
historian (in Tito, c. 2).
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 19
Reverse. Bare head of Britannicus to the right : behind it, the
letters BA. KO. in monogram. These letters are
the abbreviation of Bkaiktog KOtvoc [money] of
Kiiuj Cotys. Beneath the head, the Greek numeral
letters BMT, which signify 342 of the era of the
kingdom of the Bosphorus, answering to the year
of Rome 798, or a.d. 46, and thus agreeing with
the gold coin of Claudius.
The other coin is of copper.
IT.
Obverse. The head of Cotys, king of the Bosphorus, encircled
by the regal diadem or fillet, and the hair reaching
to the shoulders. Behind, the monogram, composed
of the letters BA. KO. as in the preceding coin.
Reverse. KAIEAPOC BPETANNIKOC. CcBsaris Britan-
nici. Bare head of Britannicus to the rig'ht.
Both these coins are of great rarity. The
first is, perhaps, the only one in this country;
the other is, in all probability, unique, and is
now pubhshed for the first time.
Few cabinets in England possess coins of this
rare series ; and it is on this account, as well as
from the interest attached to them owing to the
circumstance of their illustrating each other,
that they are here admitted. " It may not be
amiss to remind the reader," remarks Mr. Tho-
mas, in the observations mth which he accom-
panied the drawings he permitted me to have
20 COINS OF THE KOMANS
made of these interesting objects, " that, until
the time of Domitian, the portraits of the kings
of the Ciimnerian Bosphorus (a country now
known as the Crimea), are seldom, if ever, found
upon their gold coins:* that on one side the
head of the contemporary Roman emperor is
generally found in lieu of it, and on the other,
that of the C^sar or nearest relative of the
emperor. Even the names of the kings of the
Bosphorus are not given at length, but in a
monogram or contracted form : the date, how-
ever, always found upon them, indicates the year
in which they were minted."
" The celebrated Visconti," continues Mr.
Thomas, " was the first, who, upon an inspection
of the identical gold coin here described,f pro-
nounced the juvenile portrait which it bears to
be that of Britannicus ; J an opinion which was
sanctioned by the date, which shews that the
* Mionnet, " Description de Medailles Antiques" (torn. ii.
p. 369), describes one 'of the portraits upon each of the coins
numbered 54 to 58, as of Rhescuporis the First, king of the
Bosphorus ; but Visconti, in his " Iconographie Grecque"
(torn. ii. p. 153), supposes them to be portraits of Romans, and
does not admit them in that work because they do not belong
to the series of Greek portraits.
f Tliis coin was formerly in the collection of M. Allier.
X Iconographie Grecque, torn. ii. p. 158, 4to. edit. 181 1.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 21
piece was struck while Messalina, the mother of
that prince, yet lived, and was in the plenitude
of her power and influence. It would appear,
that it was not until after the death of that
empress, when the crafty Agrippina had become
the mfe of the imbecile Claudius, and advanced
her son (by her first marriage), that Cotys
caused the portrait of Nero to be engraved on
his gold coins."
Since the publication of Visconti's valuable " Ico-
nographie Grecque," the copper coin, described
above, has been discovered ; and, while it proves
beyond doubt, that the youthful portraits are of
the same personage, confirms the opinion which
that able antiquary had ventured upon the gold
one. The value and interest of this coin are
greatly increased on account of its being the only
example bearing a portrait of Cotys the First.
DOMITIANUS.
Of this prince we have no coins relating to
Britain; but we find on his money germania
CAPTA, and types commemorating a victory over
the Catti, which he never obtained, although he
celebrated a triumph in which a troop of slaves,
22 COINS OF THE ROMANS
dressed in the German costume, Avere paraded as
captives ! May we not suj)pose tliat tlie reason
of there bemg no corns of Domitian with records
of victories in Britain, was the excessive jealousy
which Tacitus, in his life of Agricola, says the
tyrant entertained towards that celebrated ge-
neral ?
HADRIANUS.
[a.D. 117 TO A.D. 138.]
In the reign of this prince the Britons revolted ;
and Julius Severus was recalled to proceed
against the Jews, who had made an effort to
recover their liberty. The Caledonians also de-
stroyed several forts which had been erected by
Agricola.* Hadrian, with three legions, arrived
in time to prevent the Britons from throwing off
the Roman yoke; and to protect the northern
frontiers of the province, built a wall Avhich ex-
tended from the Tyne in Northumberland to the
Eden in Cumberland. The war does not appear
to have been of long continuance; and the
* The Roman general had previously had some skirmishing
with the northern inhabitants ; but his presence was considered
of more importance in the East.
KELATING TO BRITAIN. 23
southern Britons, protected from the incursions
of their savage neighbours, were probably con-
tent to bear the Roman yoke.
Hadrian's arrival in Britain is commemorated
by a large brass coin struck in the year of Rome
874, A.D. 121.
Obverse. HADRIANVS AVG. COS. III. P. P. Hadrianus
Augustus, Consul tertium, Pater Patrice. Lau-
reated bust of Hadrianus, with the chlamys buckled
over the right shoulder.
Reverse. ADVENTVS* AVG. BRITANNIAE. Adventus
Avgusti Britatmice. In the exergue, S. C. An
altar with the fire kindled, placed between the em-
peror in the toga, holding a patera, and a female
figure with a victim lying at her feet.
Types very similar to this were struck to com-
memorate the emperor's arrival in Cilicia, Gaul,
&c. There is another very rare coin in large
brass.
Obverse. HADRIANVS AVG. COS. III. Hadriamis
Augustus, Consul tertium. Laureated head of
Hadrianus to the right.
* On the coins given by Eckhel, Rasche, and Vaillant, the
word is ADVENTVI, which Captain Smyth, in his interesting
description, has inadvertently followed, although the large
brass coin, in the gallant Captain's cabinet, reads ADVENTVS.
This is the more remarkable, as the coins of Hadrian com-
memorating his arrival in the other provinces, invariably read
ADVENTVI.
24 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Reverse. BRITANNIA. A female figure seated, her right
foot resting on a rock, her head resting on her
right hand, and spear in her left ; by her side a
large shield, with a spike in the centre.
Antiquaries believe the figure on the reverse
of this coin to be the province of Britain per-
sonified. It cannot be Rome : and the absence
of characteristic attributes of the island, is in all
probability owing to the ignorance of the en-
graver of the die, which was doubtless not exe-
cuted in Britain.
In the Museum Theupolum,* a work to the
general accuracy of which Eckhel bears testimony,
a large brass coin of Hadrian is described as
follows : —
Obverse. HADRIANVS AVG. COS. III. P. P. Hadrianus
Augustus, Consul tertium, Pater Patrice. Bare
head of the emperor.
Reverse. EXERC. BRITAN. Exercitus Britannicus. The
emperor, on a tribune or estrade, haranguing his
troops.
Although this coin is not known to our Eng-
lish numismatists, it is by no means a proof that
it does not exist. Yaillant f notices a type and
legend very similar : —
* Vol. i. p. 4G7. t Num. Imp. Rom. tom. i. p. 62.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 25
EXERC. BRITANNICVS. Iraperator paludatus
stans, in suggestu adloquitur cohortes. In aliis,
Imperator eques.
To this he appends the following remark : — " Hie
nnmmus prima? forma? inter rariores numeranclus
(imo inter rarissimos)." Nevertheless, some
artful rogue may have formed this coin from
another of a similar type, by altering the letters
of the legend.
Second or middle brass coins of Hadrian also
bear allusion to Britain : of these there are two
varieties.
I.
Obverse. HADRIANVS AVG. COS. III. Hadrianus Au-
gustus, Consul tertium, Laureated head of the
emperor.
Reverse. BRITANNIA. A female figure seated on a rock,
holding a javelin, her right hand supporting her
head ; a large shield hy her side, with a long spike
in the centre.
The attitude of repose given to the figure on
the reverse of this coin, the type of which re-
sembles that of the large brass, would seem to
imply that it was struck when peace had been
restored in Britain.
II.
Obverse. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS COS. III. Hadri-
anus Augustus, Consul tertium. Laureated head of
the emperor.
E
2G COINS OF THE ROMANS
Reverse. PONT. MAX. TR. POT. COS. III. P. P. Ponii-
fex Maximus, Tribunitia Potestate, Consul tertiunif
Pater Patrice ; in the exergue, BRITANNIA. A
female figure as on the preceding coin.
Havercamp* thinks these "figures are intended
to represent the secure, but watchful state of the
province. The attitude of repose signifies that
the Britons have no longer cause to dread the
incursions of their barbarian neighbours; while
the spear and shield indicate that the province
is prepared to repel any attack.
No gold or silver coin of Hadrian, with allusion
to Britain, is known ; a deficiency for which it is
difficult to account, as the coins of that prince, in
gold and silver, are exceedingly numerous. Did
Hadrian, the gold and silver coinage being under
the imperial controul, interdict the striking of
pieces in those metals?
Mediobarbaf gives a denarius of Hadrian mth
ADLOCVTio BRiTANNiCA, the cmperor haranguing
his soldiers; but this is of very questionable
authority.
* Medailles De Christine, p. 59, tab. xii. The rarity of
this coin is particularly noticed by Havercamp.
t Edit. 1730, p. 178.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 27
ANTONINUS PIUS.
[a.D. 138 TO A.D. 161.]
The coins of this emperor have been found in
great numbers in England; and one bearing
" Britannia," has now and then been discovered
among them ; but there are several varieties of
this interesting type, some of which are of great
rarity.
The first is a gold coin or aureus.
Obverse. Unknown.*
Reverse. BRITAN. Victory standing on a globe, holding a
garland and a palm-branch, an elegant type re-
peated on a coin of this emperor in large brass.
This, and some of the coins which follow, in
all probability, commemorate the victory over
the revolted Brigantes, who made incursions upon
their neighbours, then leagued with the Romans.
Lollius Urbicus, the Roman general, defeated
them with great slaughter, and raised a turf wall
still further to the northward, extending, as our
* Vaillant, Nmn. Imp. Rom. torn. ii. p. 159, gives the re-
verse only of this coin. It is not known in England-
28 COINS OF THE ROiLAJUS
English antiquaries suppose, from the Tyne to
Carlisle.*
Victory was an important deity among the
Greeks and Romans; and she is accordingly
figured on great numbers of their coins. Tacitus
says that, besides other prodigies which preceded
the revolt of the Britons under Boadicea, the
image of Victory, set up at Camulodunum, fell
down mthout any apparent cause, with its back
to the enemy. f
The representation of this goddess cannot be
mistaken; her attitude is generally graceful, and
on this coin is elegant. J Sylla built a temple to
* Pausanias records, that Antoninus took from the Brigantes
the greater part of their territory, because they had made
war on the Genunians, who were the alhes of the Romans : —
'ATTcrEjUfro ct Kat rwv tv Bptrraj'/a ^piyavTiov riiv TroW))r, on
lirEfTJJuiviiv Kill niiToi aw role oirXoiQ //psctj' Tt/v TevovJiuv
^oTpar, vin]Kaovg 'Pw/icu'wj'. Arcad. hb. viii. cap. 43. The
passage immediately preceding this, mentions the defeat of
the Moors by Antoninus, which probably obtained him the
title of Imperator for the first time ; that for the second time
being given him for successes in Britain.
t " Inter quse, nulla palam causa, delapsum Camuloduni
simulacrum Victoria;, ac retro conversum, quasi cederet hosti-
bus." Annales, lib. xiv. c. 32.
"i^ Among the collection of monuments found in the line of
the Roman wall, and now preserved in the museum of the
Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a bas-relief
with a figure of Mctory thus represented.
RELATING TO BRITAIN . 29
Victory at Rome, and instituted games in her
honour; and we are told, that Hiero, king of
Sicily, made a present to the Romans of a statue
of Victory in solid gold. She had a fine statue
in the Capitol, of which the figure on the reverse
of the coin here described, may have been a copy.
Rome is constantly represented on the coins of
the lower empire, seated in a chair, and holding
the hasta and a small figure of Victory, whom the
early Christians seemed disposed to reverence
after the gods of their forefathers had disap-
peared, since her statues were protected long
after those of the other deities had been de-
molished.
The next coins are of lai^ge brass ; and of these
there are several varieties, all "with records of the
Consulship, and the title of Tmperatoi\ the value
of which has been shown by Eckliel.* The re-
verse of the first is similar to the gold coin above
described.
I.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patrice,
Trihunitia Potestate, Consul tertium. The bearded
and laureated head of Antoninus.
Reverse. IMPERATOR II {Imperator iterum) : across the
field of the coin, BRITAN. An elegant winged
* Doct. Num. Vet. vol.vii. p. 14.
30 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Victory standing on a globe, holding a garland
in her right hand, and a palm branch in her left.
I never heard of a discovery of a coin with this
type in England. One of them at the sale of
Mr. Edgar's cabinet, in 1815, brought the very
high price of £5 : 76-. Qd.j but it was in remarkably
fine preservation.*
II.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patrice,
Trihunitia Potestate, Consul tertium. Laureated
head of the emperor.
Reverse. BRITANNIA. A male figure wearing trousers
seated on a rock, his head covered apparently
with the skin of some animal. In his right hand
a standard, the emblem of a garrisoned province ;
in his left a javelin, by his side a large oval shield
with a long spike in the centre.-]-
III.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. . ..An-
* This is mentioned here, not as a guide to collectors, but
merely to shew what a scarce and unusually weU-preserved
coin will bring when offered for competition to eayer amateurs.
Mr. Edgar's coins brought, in almost every instance, double
their estimated value, several of his friends having resolved
that the collection should bring the highest possible sum.
t In the first edition of this work the figure is described as
that of a female, in deference to the opinion of Captain Smyth,
who considered it feminine ; but a further inspection of the
original in the British Museum warrants a different description,
in which I am sanctioned by Dr. Charles Grotefend.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 31
tonimis Augustus Pins, Pater Patrice, Trihunitia
Potestate. Laureated head of the emperor to the
right.
Reverse. IMPERATOR II (Imperator iterum) and BRITAN.
across the field A hehneted female figure seated
on a rock holding a javelin in her right hand ;
her left reposing on a large ornamented shield by
her side, her right foot resting on a globe.
The reverse of this coin differs materially from
those of all the others of this series. Instead of
a female figure bare-headed, as on the coins of
Hadrian, we have here doubtless a personification
of Rome herself, her dominion being aptly
enough portrayed by the globe beneath her
right foot, while she grasps a javelin (a barbarian
weapon) instead of a spear.
IV.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Antoninus Augustus Pius,- Pater Patrice,
Trihunitia Potestate, Consul tertium. Laureated
head of the emperor to the right.
Reverse. BRITANNIA. A male figure seated on a perpen-
dicular rock, holding a standard in his right hand
and a javelin in his left ; by his side a large oval
shield with a spike in the centre, resting on a
helmet placed on the ground.
V.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Laureated head of Antoninus to the right.
Reverse. IMPERATOR II {Imperator iterum): in the
exergue (BRI)TAN. A male figure with laureated
32 COINS OF THE ROMANS
head seated on a rock ; in his right hand a stan-
dard, in his left a spear ; his left arm resting on
the edge of a large spiked shield hy his side.
VI.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Laureated head to the right.
Reverse. IMPERATOR II (Imperaior iterum) : in the
exergue, BRITAN. A female figure seated on a
globe surrounded by waves ; in her right hand a
standard, in her left a javelin ; her elbow resting
upon the edge of a large buckler by her side.
This is perhaps the most interesting coin of
the whole series. The type illustrates the oft-
quoted line of Virgil : —
" Et penitus toto divisos orbc Britannos." *
Or that of Clauclian : —
" et nostro cliducta Britannia mundo." t
or the
" ultimos
Orbis Britannos,"
of Horace; J all marking the insular or remote
situation of Britain, which the Romans considered
" out of the world. "§ The figure seated on a
globe doubtless typifies the subjugated province.
* Eel. i. 67.
t De Mall. Theod. Cons. v. 51.
t Carm. lib.i. Od. 35, v. 29.
§ Dion Cassius says, that Plautius, in the time of Claudius,
had great difficulty in transj)orting his troops to Britain ; they
complained that they were going to war in a country beyond
the world. Lib. Ix. c. 19.
RELATING TO BRITAIN.
33
VII.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Laureated head of the emperor to the right.
Reverse. IMPERATOR II (Imperalor iieriim) : in the
exergue, BRITANNIA. A male figure seated on
a rock ; in his right hand a standard, in his left a
spear ; his left arm resting on the edge of a large
ornamented oval shield, supported by a helmet.
VIII.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Laureated head to the right.
Reverse. BRITANNIA. A male figure seated on a rock ;
his right hand holding a standard ; his left arm
reposing on the edge of a shield placed by his side.
The type of this curious coin is somewhat
puzzling. It bears on the obverse the head and
name of Antoninus ; but the seated figure on the
reverse is obviously a portrait of Hadrian. It is
difficult to find a reason for this, unless we sup-
pose that the die for the reverse was originally
intended for a coin of Hadrian during the life of
that emperor, but for some cause or other not
used on his money. Or was it designed by the
senate as a tribute to the memory of Hadrian,
who certainly performed more in Britain than
his successor? In either case, it is a very
curious type. That the figure on the reverse is
that of Hadrian, no one acquainted with the
portraits of that emperor will deny.
Another eleo:ant coin in lari>e brass was doul)t-
34 COINS OF THE ROMANS
less struck to coinmeinonite the successes of the
Romans in Britain.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. Laureated
head of Antoninus to the right-
Reverse. IMP. T! TR. PO. COS. III. Imperator iterum,
Trihunitici Potestate, Consul tertium. Victory
marching; to the right, holding a trophy with both
hands.
There are also two coins in middle brass.
I.
Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Laureated head of the emperor to the right.
Reverse. IMPERATOR II. Victory walking to the left,
holding in her right hand a buckler inscribed
BRIT AN.
This type would seem to indicate, that a de-
cisive victory had been obtained by the Romans
over the Brigantes. The type of the next coin
is a contrast to this. It was minted in the fourth
consulate of Antoninus, and probably denotes
that the campaign was then ended.
II.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. P. P. TR. P. COS.
III. Laureated* head of the emperor to the right.
Reverse. BRITANNIA COS. IIII. Britannia Consul
quartum. A female figure seated on a rock in an
* A coin in the cabinet of Mr. Thomas has the head
rad/afed.
liELATING TO BRITAIN. 35
attitude of dejection ; before her, a large oval
shield, and a military standard.
Of all the Eoman coins relating to Britain, this
is the most frequently discovered in England.
Some time since, one of them was dug up in St.
Saviour's churchyard, near London Bridge.
They are generally found in very ordinary con-
dition, and are scarcely ever met mth in fine
preservation. It is somewhat singular that
among the numerous fine and interesting brass
medallions of Antoninus not one bears allusion
to Britain.
COMMODUS.
[a.D. 180 TO A.D. 192.]
In the reign of this emperor, tlie Caledonians
again passed the boundary wall, ravaged the
country, and put to the sword the Roman troops.
The incursion being sudden and unexpected,
the Roman general was taken by surprise. Com-
modus, on receiving the news of this irruption,
despatched Ulpius Marcellus into Britain; Avlien
the invaders were driven back beyond the wall,
and the Roman discipline, which had been suf-
fered to decay, was revived by Marcellus. We
36 COINS OF THE ROMANS
learn from Herodiaii that Commodus was aiii-
bitious of the name of Britannicus^ although he
did not visit the province ; and this is shewn by
his coins, upon which it frequently appears with
other equally inappropriate and unmerited titles.*
During the reign of Commodus, Pertinax, Olodius
Albinus, and Julius Severus were, at various
times, governors of Britain.
Among the numerous beautiful medallions of
this emperor, are three with records of the war
in Britain. They are of large size, and two of
them differ but slightly from each other.
Obverse. M. COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS
BRIT. Marcus Commodus Antoninus Augustus
Pius, Britannicus. Laureated head of the em-
peror to the right.
Reverse. BRITTANIA P. M. TR. P. X. IMP. VII. COS.
IIII. P. P. Brittania, Pontifex Maximus, Tri-
hunitia Potestate decimum, fmperalor septimwn.
Consul quartum, Pater Patrice. A male figure
seated on a rock to the right, holding in his right
hand a military standard, and in his left a javeUn ;
by his side a shield inscribed S. P. Q. R. (Senatus
Popubisque Romanns).
This medallion, which is of great rarity, is in
the national collection at Paris : it differs from
* Lam])ridiu.s indiilgc.-i in some severe remarks upon the
assumption of the names Brilanuicus and Pius, by Commodus.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 37
that in the cabinet of Mr. Thomas, having the
letters s. p. q. r., instead of a spike, in the centre
of the shield.* The spelling of Britannia is
worthy of observation. Dr. Charles Grotefend
thinks it is imitated from the Greek B/jerraffa.f
Another most interesting medallion, in the pos-
session of Mr. Thomas, is of great rarity.
Obverse. M. COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS
BRIT. Marcus Commodus Antonimis Auxjustus
Pius, Britannicus. Laureated bust of Commodus
to the right, with the paludamentum.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. X. IMP. VII the remainder
of the legend not being impressed, in consequence
of the module of the medallion being too small.J
Victory seated on a heap of arms, inscribing on a
shield VICT. BRIT. ( Victoria Britannica) in two
lines : before her, a trophy.
Captain Smyth, in his very interesting work
on the large brass coins of the emperors, is of
opinion that the coin of Commodus, which fol-
lows, was minted before the campaign was ended,
* That in the French cabinet is also without the numerals
VII.
t That gentleman, to whom I am greatly indebted for many
valuable remarks on the first edition of this work, observes
that, in Horace and Propertius, the first syllable of Britannia
is short, but in Lucretius, on the contrary, it is long.
1; The continuation of this legend, when entire, is, COS.
mi. p. p.
38 COINS OF THE ROMANS
because Victory holds a shield without inscrip-
tion. If the conjecture be admitted, this medal-
lion was struck at a subsequent period, when the
war had terminated ; but the imp. vii. is against
it. Had the medallion been executed by a decree
of the conscript fathers, they Avould not have
dared to omit the record of another victory : on
the other hand, if the striking of these pieces had
been at the disposal of the tyrant, he who assumed
the title of Conqueror of a Thousand Gladiators^
Avould not have neglected to style himself Impe-
rator for the eighth time,*
A coin in large brass is by no means un-
common, although, from its interest, it is not
always to be obtained so easily as scarcer coins of
this emperor. The type, which is of inferior
execution, and low relief, is generally struck on
a scanty flan of metal.
Obverse. M. COMMODVS ANTON. AVG. PIVS BRIT.
Marcus Covimudus Antoninus Augustus Pius,
Briiannicus. Laureated head of the emjjeror to
* Herodian says, that Commodus took away the head of a
statue of the sun, for which the Romans had a peculiar vene-
ration, and set up his own in the place of it ; and that, not con-
tent with the ordinary titles assumed by the Roman emperors,
he inscribed ujjon the h&^e., the conqueror of a thousand (jla-
diators — jj.orojia\<)v<, \i\ii)VQ rt)v//(T<(<Toc' (lib.i. c.48}.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 39
the right, with the hair, l)eard, and moustaches
dressed.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. X. IMP. VII. COS. IIII. P. P.
in the exergue,VICT. BRIT. {Victoria Britannica).
Victory seated to the right, on a heap of shiekis,
holding in her right hand a palm-hranch, and sup-
porting with her left arm a shield, which she rests
on her knees.
SEVERUS.
[a.D. 1.93 TO A.D. 211.]
The sojourn and death of Severus in Britain ren-
der it necessary that we should say something of
his extraordinary career, and of the motives which
induced him to visit this country. The great
mihtary fame of this emperor was tarnished, if
not obscured, by his ferocity and cruelty;* but
if we look only at his military expeditions, his
sagacity, promptitude, and judgment, we shall
find that circumstances alone were wanting to
render him as celebrated as the most famous
* Spartian informs us that the people sometimes jested on
the names of Severus and Pertinax, sallies which cost some of
them their hves ; and Julian, in his " Caesars," makes Silenus
remark that he is afraid to say anything of Severus. " I
dread,'' says he, " the excessive cruelty of a man who never
forgives !"
40 COINS OF THE ROMANS
heroes of aiiti(|uity. Possessed of the purple,
which he had acquired by a series of exploit's
which may justly be paralleled with those of
CaBsar and Hannibal, Severus discovered that the
cares of government were as arduous as the toils
of a campaign ; and he who had braved danger
in many a hard-fought battle, found the throne of
a usurper beset with perils no less imminent.
Naturally mistrustful, his jealousies and alarms
were increased by the discovery of a conspiracy
against him by his most tried and intimate
friends; while the increasing dissensions of his
sons, Caracalla and Geta, added greatly to his
inquietude, and made sad havoc upon a con-
stitution already impaired by a life of hardship
and the advances of old age.
It has been well observed by Gibbon, that " the
ascent to greatness, however steep and dangerous,
may entertain an active spirit with the conscious-
ness and exercise of its own powers ; but tlie pos-
session of a throne could never yet afford a
lasting satisfaction to an ambitious mind." *
Severus was doomed to experience this bitter
truth: " Omnia fiii^ et nihil expedit!'^ was the
dying exclamation of this daring and successful
* See Lord Bacon's essay, " Of Empire," where this
restlessness of amliitious princes is discussed with his usual
sagacity.
RELATING TO BHITATN. 41
despot, of whom scarcely one single act of mercy
or forbearance is recorded.*
Bodily infirmity and mental anxiety had made
inroads upon the naturally robust and vigorous
constitution of Severus, so much so, indeed, that
the gout had deprived him of the use of his feet ;
but, even in this state, the news of the revolt of
the Britons was welcome to the crippled emperor :
his mind found relief in activity, and he had long
been desirous of weaning his sons from the luxury
and effeminacy of Roman life. Herodian says,
that the governor of Britain -wrote to Severus,
informing him of the rebellion, and entreating
* Eutropius (lib.viii. c. 19), tells us that Severus was
attached to the arts of peace, and loved literature and phi-
losophy : and Dion Cassius (lib.lxxvi.) observes that, although
he was exceedingly covetous, and amassed money by any
means, he was a friend to literature. Such accounts are,
however, refuted by the pubHc acts of Severus. Of his par-
tiality to literary men we have no record ; and his restless and
ferocious disposition was utterly incompatible with philosophi-
cal studies. These descriptions, like TertuUian's character of
Severus and his sons, are to be taken cum yrano. Baudelot
(Utilite de Voyages) shrewdly conjectures that this idea of
Severus' love of the arts originated in the fact of his fondness
for seeing strange countries, which Spartian describes in
these words: — " Jucundam sibi peregrinationem banc propter
religionem Dei Serapidis, et propter novitatem animalium vel
locorum fuisse, Severus ipse postea semper ostendit : nam et
Memphin et Mcmnonem et Pyramides et Labyrinthum dihgen-
ter inspexit."
G
42 COINS OF THE ROMANS
him either tcj send reinforcements, or come im-
mediately ill [x'l'soii to reduce the revolted
islanders. The emperor, upon receipt of this
intelligence, caused proclamation to be made of
his intended expedition, and having soon col-
lected a formidable army, he commenced the
march with his usual rapidity, and soon arrived
in Britain. His unexpected appearance, with
such a force, astonished and alarmed the revolted
Britons, Avho immediately sent ambassadors to
iiegociate a peace and make terms with the ex-
asperated tyrant; but his wrath could only be
quenched in their blood. Nevertheless, he affected
to temporise; and having, by keeping the am-
bassadors in suspense for some days, gained
sufficient time to mature his plans, he dismissed
them \vith an assurance that he would take
ample vengeance. Herodian says, he was am-
bitious of the title of Britannicus^ and of crown-
ing his victories in other countries by erecting
trophies in Britain. This author informs us,
that the campaign was a hard one, even for a
general like Severus: he also gives us some
curious particulars of our savage ancestors, and
of their island. The country, he observes, was
in many places overflowed by the sea; and the
bogs and marshes presented great difficulties to
the operations of the Roman army. The natives
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 43
were scarcely acquainted with the use of clothes,
and were consequently prepared for swimming
or wading through the mud and water, when
desirous of retreating before their enemies.* He
speaks of their painted bodies, of which he says
they were very vain, and characterizes them as
a warlike and sanguinary race. Their arms, he
says, were a narrow shield, a lance, and a bow.
Defensive armour they had none; they looked
upon helmet and coat of mail as impediments to
their passage through the swamps and mo-
rasses, f
Leaving Geta to the government of that por-
tion of the island which remained in the Roman
interest, Severus and his son Antoninus, or, as
he is most commonly called, Caracalla, advanced
against the enemy, whom they overthrew in
several engagements ; not, however, \vithout suf-
fering severely : but ere the war was ended, the
growing infirmities of Severus compelled hun to
quit the field, leaving Caracalla to carry on the
* Dion Cassius (lib. Ixxvi.) says that their manners were
most simple ; that they had neither walls nor towns, nor cul-
tivated lands ; that they lived upon wild fruits, and by hunting ;
and that, although the sea abounded with fish, they never ate
any.
t Herodian tells us that these morasses continually emitted
thick vapours, which obscured the face of heaven.
44 COINS OF THE ROMANS
contest. Retiring to York, and finding his end
approaching, the emperor had his dying moments
embittered by the detection of his son's design
against his life ; for it is said, that this appalling
discovery reached the stern and relentless soul of
Severus, and that it hastened his death, which
took place in that city, in the year of Rome 964
(a.d. 211). In his last moments he recom-
mended unity to his sons, and, with charac-
teristic ferocity, urged his generals to prosecute
the Avar against the Caledonians until they were
exterminated.*
I now come to describe such of the coins of
Severus as have relation to the country in Avhich
he ended his eventful life, commencing with
one in large brass, which is generally considered
by mimismatists to have reference to some ad-
vantages obtained by the Romans over the Picts.
Obverse. L. SEPT. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. Lucius Sep-
timius Severus Pius Auc/usttis. Laureated head
of the emperor to the right.
Reverse. P. M. TR. P. XVIII. COS. P. P. Poniifcx
Maximus, Trihunitia Potestate decimum octavim.
Consul, Pater Patrice. The emperor in a mihtary
* Dion Cassias says it was foretold that Severus would not
return alive from Jiritain ; a prophecy which was doubtless
founded upon the knowledge of Caracalla's design upon his
life.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 45
' dress, attended by two soldiers, each bearing a
standard, standing between his two sons : a captive
on the ground.
This coin, by the record of tribunitian power,
was struck a.d. 210. The advantages which it
boasts, are, however, very doubtful, as the ex-
pedition is said to have cost the Romans fifty
thousand men.
The next is also of large brass, and appears to
commemorate an important victory.
Obverse. L. SEPT. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. Lucius Sep-
timius Severus Pius Auxjustus. The laureated
and bearded head of Severus, to the right. All
his coins represent him with a beard, which he
wore, says Dion, out of respect to the memory of
Aurelius and Pertiriax.
Reverse. VICTORTAE BRITTANNICAE. Two winged
Victories attaching a circular buckler to a palm
tree, at the foot of which two captives are seated.
Some numismatists think that a double victory
is implied by the two figures holding the shield ;
but they may possibly be intended to indicate
that the glory was shared between Severus and
his son. The same type is repeated on another
coin of Severus, but it has the legend vict. brit.
p. M. TR. p. XIX. COS. III. p. p.
The middle or second brass coins of Severus
with allusion to Britain are the following : —
46 COINS OF THE ROiLANS
I.
Obverse. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Severus Pius
Augustus Britannicus. Laureated head of the
emperor to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Victory standing
between two captives seated on the ground, hold-
ing with both hands a standard transversely.
II.
Obverse. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Severus Pius
Aucjustus Britannicus. Laureated head of the
emperor to the right.
Reverse. VICT. BRIT. P. M. TR. P. XIX. COS. III.
P. P. Victorice Britanniece, Pontifex Maximus,
Tribunitia Potestate decimum nonum, Consul
tertium. Pater Patrice. A similar type to that
on the reverse of the preceding coin.
On these coins we find the title of Britannicus,
which Spartian informs us, he assumed on account
of his building the great wall to which his name
was afterwards given: — " Britanniam (quod
maximum ejus imperii decus est) muro per
transversam insulam ducto, utriusque ad finem
Oceani munivit : tmde etiam Britannici nomen
accepit :" but it is singular that Dion Cassius and
Herodian make no mention of such a defence. It
was probably after all nothing more than a re-
paration of the wall built by Hadrian.
The follo^Nang tjqies occur in gold and
silver : —
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 47
I.
Obverse. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated head
of Severus to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victorice Britamiicce. Vic-
tory standing- to the left, holding in her right hand
a garland, and in her left a palm -branch.
II.
Obverse. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated head
of Severus to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory holding a captive.
The next are found only in silver
I.
Obverse. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated head
to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory attaching a buckler
to the trunk of a tree.
II.
Obverse. SEVERVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated head
to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory seated on a shield,
holding in her right hand another shield, resting
on her knees, and in her left a palm-branch.
CLODIUS ALBINUS.
[a.d. 193 TO A.D. 197.]
Decimus Clodius Septimius Albinus, the son of
Cejonius Postumus by Aurelia Messalina, was a
48 COINS OF THE ROMANS
native of Haclrumetum in Africa. His parents
were noble, and, according to Capitolinus, lie
traced his descent from the ancient families, Pos-
tuniia and Cejonia,*
Whatever was the real character of this prince,
and it is difficult to glean the truth from the
accounts of the historians of the period, it is
certain that he obtained the favour and con-
fidence of Marcus Aurelius, who made him Con-
sul suffectus^ and that Commodus paid him marked
attention; for it is said, that that tyrant per-
mitted him to assume the rank of Caesar, a per-
mission of which he prudently declined to avail
himself. f Having been governor of Gaul, and
subsequently of Britain, he appears to have
awaited the turn of events on the death of Corn-
modus, when the news arrived of the murder of
Pertinax, and the succession of Didius Julianus,
who had purchased the empire ! Juhanus held
his honours but a few weeks, and was put to
death by order of the servile senate, who were
terrified at the news of the advance of Severus
upon the capital, with the legions of Pannonia. J
Arrived at the seat of empire, Severus, whose
craft and cunning were equal to his activity and
* Capitolinus, c. i. f Ibid. c. 10.
X Herodian, lib. ii. c.4l.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 49
ferocity, soon perceived, that though the conscript
fathers were subjected to his will, and the licen-
tious prajtorian guards stripped and banished,
he had yet two powerful rivals, each the general
of a well disciplined army. Pescennius Niger
was in Syria, and Clodius Albinus in Britain,
and both were in better favour at Rome than
himself. There was little time for deliberation;
and Severus appears to have decided at once
upon the course he should adopt. Having lulled
Albinus into fancied security by awarding to him
the title of Ca3sar, and striking coins with his
ef^gy and name,* he marched in person against
Niger, who after a succession of reverses was
finally overthrown near Antioch, and being over-
taken in his flight, his head was struck off, and
carried in triumph to the conqueror.
The next care of Severus was the destruction
of Albinus, who, during his absence in the East,
had ingratiated himself with the senate ; but lie
preferred stratagem and deceit to open hostilities,
and hoped to despatch his rival by assassination.
He therefore wrote to Albinus the following
letter, which is preserved by Capitolinus: — f
* O 2e Se/3>ypoC) Kcii irpoQ rfj}' tTvyK\r]TOV tci uvtci ai'EveyKioi',
(OQ iir fxdWoy avror (iq TrlfTTii' vrraydyoiTO, i'Ofiia^aTa re avrov
KonFiyai tTrerpexl^E, k. t. X. Herodian, lib.ii. c. 49.
t In Albino.
H
50 coins of the romans
" Imperator Severus Augustus, Clodio Al-
bino C^SARi, Fratri Amantissimo, et Desidera-
TISSIMO, SALUTEM.
" Victo Pescennio, litteras Roinam dedimus,
quas Senatus tui amantissimus libenter accepit.
Te quasso, ut eo animo Rempublicam regas, quo
dilectus es frater animi mei, frater imperii. Bas-
sianus et Geta te saliitant. Julise nostra et te,
et sororem salutat. Infantulo tuo Pescennio
Prineo munera digna sue loco, tuoque mittemus.
Tu velim exercitus reipublica? ac nobis retentes,
mi unanime, mi carissime, mi amantissime."
The bearers of this treacherous epistle were
instructed to obtain a private audience of Al-
binus, and plunge their daggers into his breast !
The intentions of Severus were, however, be-
trayed; and Albinus, perceiving that he was no
longer safe in his island province, condemned
the bearers of the letter, and crossing over to the
continent, assumed the style of Augustus. But
his active and subtle enemy was fully prepared
to meet him, and was marching for Gaul, with
his usual promptitude, at the head of a well
tried and powerful army. Herodian informs us,
that upon Albinus' arrival in Gaul, he encamped,
and sent orders to the prsefects of the neighbour-
ing provinces to furnish him with supplies of
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 51
money and provisions. Some obeyed the sum-
mons, for which they incurred the resentment of
Severus, who sacrificed them to his fury ; others,
from some unexplained cause, did not comply
with this request, and thereby preserved their
lives.
After several skirmishes, the two armies came
to a decisive action near Lyons. The struggle
was long and obstinate ; the Illyrian legions were
opposed to those of Britain, and the issue of the
contest remained for some time doubtful. It is
said however, that, during the conflict, the wing
which Severus commanded in person was thrown
into disorder; and that the emperor having been
unhorsed was compelled to divest himself of the
purple to avoid being captured. At this critical
juncture, Laetus, the general of Severus, advanced
and turned the fortune of the day. It is said,
that this man had an eye to the empire, and that
he lingered on the way with the detachment
under his command, when, having heard that
Severus was slain, he pushed forward with his
troops, whom he had commanded to march slowly
in order to keep them fresh and vigorous.* The
* Herodian says that Severus, after he had secured the
empire to himself, rewarded all his captains, with the exception
of Laetus, whom he put to death, believing that he meditated
treason on this important day.
52 COINS OF THE ROMANS
troops of Albiiius being broken and disordered
by the pursuit, were now assailed by the new
c:oiners, who drove them from the field with
great slaughter, pursuing them to the gates of
the city. Albinus fled with his scattered army,
and attempted to despatch himself; an act which
his pursuers nearly anticipated, for it is said,
they cut off his head while he yet breathed, and
carried it to Severus, who insulted it with the
most brutal indignity. Lyons was plundered and
burnt by the victorious soldiers : the horrors of
the scene may be imagined b}' those who are
familiar with the character of Severus.
Thus terminated the life of Clodius Albinus,
the last rival of the ferocious Severus. The
conqueror sent his head to Eome, to be exposed
in public, and with it a letter full of ominous
threatenings ; then, having appointed two go-
vernors in Britain (probably that one might be a
check upon the other), he put to death the friends
and adherents of Albinus, and confiscated their
estates, " making no distinction," says the his-
torian, " between those who had voluntarily
joined his rival's standard, and those who had
been compelled through fear of refusal."
Ha\nng poured out the measure of his wrath
on the adherents of Albinus in Gaul, Severus
liastened to Kome, where, after bestowing gifts
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 53
both to his soldiers and the people, he ascended
the tribune, bitterly reproached the senate for
their favouring the cause of his rivals, and con-
demned to death the most eminent men in that
assembly. It is said, that he had obtained the
private cabinet of Albinus in the sack of Lyons,
and that it contained many papers which afforded
evidence of the correspondence of the Caesar with
his friends in Rome.*
The name of the consort of Albinus is not
mentioned by historians ; but, from the letter of
Severus, given above, we learn that he had an
infant son named Pescennius Prineus.f These
were at first pardoned, but pity and mercy were
strangers to the breast of the ferocious despot,
who immediately afterwards caused them to be
murdered, and their remains to be cast into the
Rhone.
Coins of Albinus exist in gold, silver, and
brass. Those of gold are of extreme rarity, and
but four varieties are known. A coin in this
metal is preserved in the Imperial collection at
Vienna, and has been supposed to be a modern
fabrication, on account of its bearing the style
* Herodian, lib.iii. c.25,26.
t Tristan (Comm. Historiques) gives a coin of Pescennia
Plautilla, the wife of Albinus, but it is not authenticated.
54 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Pater Patrice^ while tlie obverse has that of
Ccesar* only; and a silver coin is described by
Eckhel from Vaillant as follows : —
Obverse IMP. CAES. CL. SEPT ALBIN. AVG. //;/-
perator Caesar Clodius Septimhis Alhinus Ancjns-
tus. Laureated head of Albinus.
Reverse. S. P. Q. R. P. P. OB C. S. Senntus populusque
Romaniis oh elves servalos. The whole within a
laurel garland.
Eckhel supposes that Albinus had a senate in
Gaul,f who conferred uj^on him the title of
Pater Patrice^ and cites the examples of Scipio in
Africa, and Cassar, as well as Postumus in Gaul
at a later period. It seems, however, equally
probable that these coins were prepared in haste,
and the dies engraved at a distance from the
capital of the empire, by artists inexperienced in
the business of minting. The following types
occur in gold. The reverses only are given.
1. APOLLINI AVG. COS. II. Apollo in a female habit.
The same type also occurs in silver. Aj)ollo
was a favourite deity of Albinus, as we learn
* There is no doubt that the coins of Albinus with the title
of KYGustns were minted after the detection of Severus'
design against his life, probably after his arrival in Gaul, for
they are of rude execution, very inferior to those bearing the
title of Ccvsar.
t Doct. Num. Vet. vol.vii. p. 164.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 55
from Capitolinus ; but why he is represented in
a female habit cannot so easily be explained.
On coins of earlier emperors Apollo is seen thus
depicted.
2. FORT. REDVCI COS. II. Fortune, with her attributes,
seated.
This type also occurs in silver; and as it is
found on the coins of Albinus, both with Augustus
and Ccesar, its precise application can only be
conjectured. At the sale of the Trattle cabinet,
a gold coin of this type was purchased for the
Due de Blacas at the extravagant price of £70 !
3. PROVID. AVG. COS. Providence, with her attributes,
standing.
A type which is perpetually found on the coins
of other emperors. It is, therefore, hazardous to
refer its adoption by Albinus to any special
occasion. It occurs in gold and silver.
4. SAECVLO FRVGIFERO COS. II. A veiled bearded
figure, in a long robe, wearing a tiara, seated between
two sphinxes, each wearing the Phrygian bonnet.
This type, a most remarkable and unique one,
does not occur in silver. It was for a long time
a numismatic enigma, and has only recently
been illustrated by Mons. Lenormant.* That
gentleman supposes the seated figure to be the
* Revue Numismatique, Annee 1842, p. 90.
5() COINS OF THE llOMANS
PhcEniciaii deity Alcou, or Sceculum, who was
worshipped at Hadruraetum, near Carthage, the
birth-place of Albinus. The epithet Frugi-
ferum seems to confirm this, for, in an inscrip-
tion given by Gruter, it appears that even so
late as the days of Constantine, the Roman colony
of Hadrumetum retained, among other names,
that of Frugifera. " coloniae concordiae
VLPIAE TRAIANAE AVGVSTAE FRVGIFERAE IIADRV-
METiNAE." This very singular type appears on
a brass medallion of Albinus.
The following types are in silver ; those marked
with a (*) having sometimes the title of Ccesa)\
and sometimes those of Imperator and AugiiMus.
With the exception of Nos. 4 and 9, they offer
no peculiarities ; but the intent and significance of
these is palpable; while No. 18 is a type found
only on coins of Albinus, and not satisfactorily
explained by the earlier numismatic writers.
Captain Smyth* with great reason supposes tlie
naked figure to be the Genius of Fertility, an
opinion which receives something like coirfirma-
tion when we compare it with the remarkable
type described above.
1. CLEMRNTIA AVG. COS. II.
2. COS. II. iEsculapius standing with his attributes.
* Descript. Catalogue, p. 181.
i
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 57
3. FELICITAS COS. II. Felicity standing.
4. FIDES LEGION COS. II. The Roman eagle between
two military ensigns.
3. Same legend. Two hands joined.
A considerable number of denarii of this type
were discovered a few years since near Lyons.
They were of exceedingly rude workmanship,
and bore the title of Augustus.
G. FORTITVDO AVG. INVICTA. Hercules standing.
7. FORTVNA AVG. COS. 11. Fortune, with her attri-
butes, standing.
8. FORT. REDVCI COS. II. Fortune seated.
9. GEN. LVG. COS. II. Genius standing, with an eagle
at his feet.
10. lOVI VICTORI. Jupiter seated.
11. lOVIS VICTORIAE COS. II. Jupiter standing ; an
eagle at his feet.
12. MINER. PACIF. COS. II. (or MINER. PAC. COS.
II.) Minerva standing.
13. MONET. AVG. COS. II. Moneta standing.
14. PAX AVG. COS. II. Peace standing.
15. PROVID. AVG COS. Providence standing.
16. ROMAE AETERNAE. Roma-Victrix seated.
17. SAECVLI FEL. COS. II. A female figure holding a
caduceus and a branch.
18. SAECVLI FRVGIF. COS. II. Genius standing
naked, with radiated head ; in his right hand, a caduceus
and ears of wheat ; in his left, a rake.
19. SALVTI AVG. COS. II. Hygeia standing.
20. Same legend. Hygeia seated.
21. SPES AVG. COS. II. Hope.
22. SPES COS. n. Hope.
23. S. P. Q. R. P. P. OB C. S. within a garland.
05 COINS OF THE ROMANS
This coin is in the cabinet of Vienna. It has
the title of Ccesar on the obverse. Another
given by Yaillant has the title of Augustus.
24. VICT. AVG. COS. II. Victory marching-, or standing
inscribing- a buckler, her left foot on a globe.
2.5. VIRTVTI AVG. COS. II. An armed figure holding
the hasta and the parazonium.
Three brass medallions are known of this
prince. The type of one is precisely similar to
that of the remarkable gold coin, No. 4; the
others have the legend fortvnae redvci. For-
tune seated.
The first brass coins are : —
1. CONCORDIA. Concord seated, with her attributes.
2. COS. II. 7?!lsculapius standing.
3. FELICITAS COS. II. Felicity standing.
4. FORT. REDVCI COS. II. Fortune seated,
5. MINER. PACIF. COS. II. Minerva standing.
6. PROVID. AVG. COS. Providence standing.
7. SAECVLO FRVGIFERO. A naked male figure, with
radiated head, standing, holding in his right hand ears
of corn and a caduceus, and in his left a rake.
8. Same lecjend. A female figure, wearing the stola, standing,
holding a caduceus and a cornucopiae, her right foot on
the prow of a vessel.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 59
The second brass coins of Albinus are : —
COS. II. jEsculapius, with his attributes, standing.
FELICITAS II. Felicity standing, holding a caduceus.
FORT. REDVCI COS. II. Fortmie seated.
SAECVLO FRVGIFERO COS. II. A genius, as on the
large brass with this legend.
CARACALLA.
[a.d. 198 TO A.D. 217.]
Caracalla, upon the death of his father, con-
cluded a disadvantageous and inglorious peace
"with the Caledonians, and restored to them many
of their forts. He soon quitted the island, and
commenced a series of cruelties worthy of the
son of Severus. He put to death all the phy-
sicians who had refused to attempt the life of his
father, and included in the horrible proscription
those who had been charged mth his own and
his brother's education, because they had dared
to propose a reconciliation between them. The
tried ministers of his father shared the same fate ;
and in the follomng year, the discord of the
brothers ended in the death of Geta, who was
slain by Caracalla in the arms of his mother.
Another massacre followed of the friends of
60 COINS OF THE ROIMANS
Geta, and even the buffoons and gladiators who
had contributed to the amusement of that un-
fortunate prince were involved in the common
fate.* The career of Caracalla, the most active,
* Herodianus, lib.iv. c.ll. The tyrant did his utmost to
blot out the memory of his brother, as Dion Cassius testifies,
though Spartian is silent on the subject. In Sestini's " Des-
crizione del Museo Hedervariano," Firenze, 1828, will be
found an account of some medallions of Caracalla and Geta,
struck at Stratonicea and at Pergamus, ivilh the head of Geta
erased, as Sestini supposes, in consequence of a rescript of
Caracalla. Mr. Birch, in a communication to the Numismatic
Society (Num. Chronicle, vol. i. p. 194), remarks that it is not
a little singular that the erasure should have been made on the
money of remote Asiatic towns, while the coinage of the
Imperial mint at Rome remained untouched. From this cir-
cumstance he is led to conclude that the erasure was effected
bv the time-serving and supple authorities of those cities, whose
offence was the associating the brothers as Avgusti, the coins
bearing the effigy of Geta alone, or the mere title of Csesar,
remaining uninjured ! Popular indignation appears to have
alarme i the tyrant, who we are told allowed his brother after
death to be styled " Divus," remarking " Sit Divus, dum non
sit vivus :" the historian adds, " Denique eum inter divos
retulit, atque ideo utcunque rediit cum forma in gratiam par-
ricida;" an account which is verified by coins of Stratonicea,
with a small head placed below the erased bust (or on the era-
sure), and the word GEOY. Besides this, the coins which bear
the heads of Severus and Domna have stamped on them a small
head, in countermark, and the words FET. OEOY, which
leaves no doubt as to the meaning of the solitary word on the
other. Specimens of these singular numismatic monuments
are in the collection of the British Museum.
EELATING TO BRITAIN. 61
if not the most cruel of all the Roman tyrants,
Avas marked by rapine, violence, and slaughter;
and he finally fell by the hand of Macrinus, in
the year of Rome 970 (a. d. 217).
It is proper to observe, that more than one
emperor " assumed and polluted the respectable
name of Antoninus," and that Antoninus Pius is
found on the coins of Caracalla, and even on
those of the depraved Elagabalus. The numis-
matist will not require to be reminded of this ;
but to the inexperienced the observation is
necessary, because the occurrence of the name on
the coins of these two emperors has sometimes
led to an erroneous classification. The proper
name of Caracalla was Bassia7ius, as is shown by
the letter of Severus to Albinus, given by Capi-
tolinus; and it was only on his being created
Ciesar by his father, in the year of Rome 949
(a.d. 196), that he assumed the names of Marcus
Aiirelius Antoninus* which are found perpetually
on his money.
Some authors have supposed that Caracalla
was not the son of Severus by Domna, but the
* It is said, that he took these names because his father
had dreamed that he who bore them would succeed him in the
empire. It is well-known that Caracalla was a nickname
bestowed upon him on account of his wearing a Gaulish
garment.
62 COINS OF THE EOMANS
commencement of Oppian's Cyneyctica^ -which the
poet dedicated to the tyrant, disproves this : —
Avrrui'iov Zr/rot; yXvKepui' daXoQ, 'At'TwyTt'e,
Toy f-ieyaXr) ^uyaXo) <l)iTvaaT() Aofii'u ij£/3//pw.
Ausonii Jovis dulcis stirps, Antonine,
Quem magna magno procreavit Domna Severe.
We have several coins of this prince relating
to Britain. I commence with the large brass.
I.
Obverse. M. AVREL. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. Mar-
cus ylurelius Antoninus Pius Anc/ustus. Lau-
reated head of Caracalla to the right.
Reverse. VICT. BRIT. TR. P. XIIII COS. III. Ficlorice
Britannicce, Tribunitia Potestaie decimum qiiar-
tum. Consul tertiiim. Victory, her left foot on a
helmet, erecting a trophy, near which stands a
captive ; another captive bound, and seated on
the ground.
Those who are familiar with Roman coins will
recollect the peculiar shape of the German shield
which appears on the coins of Domitianus. Two
shields of the same shape are represented in the
trophy on this coin; but it is difficult to deter-
mine if they were copied from actual specimens.
Herodian says, the Britons carried a narrow
shield (scutus angustus), and these are certainly
of that shape.*
* Tacitus (Vit. Agricol. c. 36), says the Britons were armed
with ^hort i^llields ami louff swords ; " in^entibus "-ladiis et
EELATING TO BRITAIN. 63
II.
Obverse. M. AVREL. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. Lau-
reated head of Caracalla to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. A type similar
to that on the preceding coin.
III.
Obverse. M. AVREL. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. Lau-
reated head of Caracalla to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Two Victories
attaching a buckler to a palm-tree, at the foot of
which two captives are seated.
The same type occurs on a coin of Severus.
The middle brass coins of Caracalla with allu-
sions to Britain are the following : —
I.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Caracalla to the right.
Reverse. VICT. BRIT. TR. P. XIIII. COS. III. Fictori^
Britannicce, Tribunitia Potestate decimum quar-
tum, Consul tertium. Victory inscribing a buckler
attached to a palm-tree ; her left foot resting on
a helmet.
II.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Caracalla to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. A similar type
to that of the preceding coin.
brevibus cetris :" and that the latter, though formidable
weapons, when there was room to wield them, were blunt at
the point " sine mucrone," and not fitted for a close engage-
ment.
C4 COINS OF THE ROMANS
A middle ])rass coin of Caracalla, in tlie cabinet
of Mr. Huxtable, has the radiated head of Cara-
calla, with the legend antoninvs pivs avg. The
reverse is the same as the above.
His gold coins are : —
I.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Head of
Caracalla laureated.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory marching, bearing
a trophy in one hand, and holding a captive with
the other.
II.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Head of
Caracalla laureated.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory seated on a heap of
arms.
His silver coins : —
I.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Caracalla to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victorm Brilcnmicce. Vic-
tory running to the right, holding a standard
transversely with both hands.
II.
Obverse. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Caracalla.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory marching with gar-
laud and palm-branch.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 65
GETA.
[a.d. 209 TO A.D. 212.]
The fate of this unfortunate prince has been
mentioned in the foregoing section. Although,
as Ave are informed, he did not take a personal
share in the expedition against the Caledonians,
the senate appear to have considered him entitled
to the surname of Britannicus^ and struck coins
in his honour. Of these there are several va-
rieties. The large brass are : —
I.
Obverse. IMP. CAES. P. SEPT. GETA PIVS AVG.
Imperator Ccesar Puhlius Sepfimius Geta Pius
Augustus. Laureated head of Geta to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Victory seated
on a heap of arms, inscribing a shield, which she
rests on her knees.
II.
Obverse. IMP. CAES. SEPT. GETA PIVS AVG. Lau-
reated head of Geta.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Two Victories
suspending a circular buckler from the trunk of
a palm-tree, at the foot of which two captives are
seated.
A similar type occurs Avithout the two cap-
tives.
K
G6
COINS OF THE ROMANS
III.
Obverse. P. SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT. Pub-
lius Septimius Gela Pius Augustus Britanniciis.
Laureated head of Geta.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Victory, her left
foot placed on a helmet, erecting a trophv, at the
foot of which is a captive standing, and another
seated on the ground, each having his hands tied
behind his back.
IV.
Obverse. P. SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT.
Laureated head of Geta.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Victory erect-
ing a trophy, at the foot of which a captive is
seated.
There is a similar type with the legend vict.
BRIT. p. M. TR. P. II. COS. II.
V.
Obverse. P. SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT.
Laureated head of Geta.
Reverse. VICT. BRIT. TR. P. III. COS. II. Vietorice
BriltanniccE, Tribunitia Potestate tertium, Consul
iterum. A type similar to No. I.
This coin was struck in the year that Severn s
died, and probably records the last successful
encounter mth the Britons of the north.
Other coins of Geta bear the legends victoriae
AVGVSTORVM VICTORIAE AETERNAE AVGG. (Au-
gustorum)., which may probably have allusion
to events in Britain. On the first of these, Cara-
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 67
calla in a military dress, and Gcta in the toga,
stand, supporting bet^veen them a globe, while
Victory holds a garland above their heads, a
bound captive sitting at their feet ; a type which
seems to allude to the milder duties of Geta in
Britain, while his father and brother were absent
in the northern expedition. Another coin has
Victory driving a biga, with victoriae avgg.
There is also a unique large brass coin which
was purchased by Captain Smyth, at the sale of
Mr. Willatt's cabinet : —
Obverse. P. SEPTIMIVS PIVS AVG. BRIT. PuUius
Septimius Pius Augustus Britannicus. Laureated
bearded head to the right.
Reverse. ADVENTVS AVGVSTI. Geta on horseback to
the left ; his right hand raised aloft, his left hold-
ing a javelin ; a helmeted soldier preceding him,
bearing a vexillum.
Captain Smyth observes of this fine coin,
" Though the legend of a medal has been aptly
styled its soul, it is often deficient in affording
entire satisfaction; and here is nothing to assist
exact chronology. The device probably records
the return of the prince from Britain, as cor-
roborated by other types of ' Adventus,' shewing
an equestrian figure of Geta, but mthout the
foot soldier."*
* Descript. Catal. p. 200.
68
COINS OF THE ROMANS
The second brass are : —
I.
Obverse. P. SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT.
Publius Septimius Geta Pitts Aucjustus Bri-
tanniciis. Laureated bearded head of Geta to the
right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE. Victory seated
on shields, holding a palm-branch and a shield,
which she rests on her knees.
11.
Obverse. P. SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT.
Laureated and bearded head of Geta.
Reverse. VICT. BRIT. TR. P. III. COS. II. Victurice
Brittannicce, Tribunilia Potestate tertium. Consul
iterum. Victory inscribing a buckler attached to
a palm-tree, her left foot resting on a helmet.
Gold and silver : —
I.
Obverse. P. SEPT. GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Geta to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victories BrittanniccB. Vic-
tory standing to the left, holding in her right
hand a garland, and in her left a palm-branch.
This type occurs in silver, and also in gold, if
Ave may credit Mediobarba.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 69
II.
Obverse. P. SEPT. GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Geta to the right.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory marching and bearing
a trophy.
III.
Obverse- P. SEPT. GETA PIVS AVG. BRIT. Laureated
head of Geta.
Reverse. VICTORIAE BRIT. Victory standing holding a
branch and the hasta.
Observations on Roman Coin Moulds, dis-
covered IN England and in France.
[The papers which follow contain many inter-
esting particulars relative to the coin moulds,
principally of the age of Severus and his sons,
found at various times in Eno-land and on the
continent ; and those of M ]\I. Poey cV Avant and
Hiver throw so much light on this subject,
hitherto perplexing to numismatists, that an
apology for their appearance in this work will
not be needed. To the observations of the
learned Frenchmen are appended the remarks of
my friend, the Rev. J. B. Reade, who, by mi-
croscopic examination of the clay composing the
moulds discovered at Lingwell, has proved that
they were formed on the spot.']
70 COINS OF THE ROMANS
J *
" Having noticed in Camden's ' Britanni;i,'f an
account of some clay moulds for fabricating
Roman coins, found about the beginning of the
last century at Edington, in the county of Somer-
set, and understanding, from persons in the
neighbourhood, that they still continue to be
discovered there, I was induced, some time since,
to go thither with a party of friends; and we
were fortunate enough to be directed to a spot,
Avhere, in less than an hour's search, we picked u})
several hundred of them.
" The field in which they were found, is a
meadow that bears no marks of ever having been
ploughed; which accounts for the moulds re-
maining so long undiscovered. It is situated at
the north edge of Polden Hill, at about a quarter
of a mile to the north of the village of Chilten.
We were led to this particular spot, by a person
who had some time before cut through a bed of
them in digging a drain. They were lying pro-
miscuously scattered over a space about four feet
* From the Archseologia, vol. xiv.
t Gough's Camden, vol. i. p. 71. A reference is made to
Aubrey's MSS,, but I searched for it to no purpose, amongst
his papers preserved at the Museum at Oxford ; as his MSS.,
however, are not arranged, T may have overlooked it.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 71
square, and from six inches to a foot below the
surface of the ground.
" On carefully clearing away the earth which
adhered to the moulds, we perceived that we had
a m.uch greater variety, as well as a larger num-
ber, than had been elsewhere discovered. Such
moulds have been heretofore met ^dth in small
quantities at Ryton in Shropshire,* and at Lin-
givel in Yorkshire,^ and great numbers of them
at Lyons in France ; but all these appear to have
been of the Emperor Severus, Julia, his wife, or
Antoninus, i.e. Caracalla, their son; whereas, in
our collection, there are not only numerous im-
pressions of these, but also of Geta, Macrinus,
Elagabalus, Alexander Severus, Maximinus,
Maximus, Plautilla, Julia Paula, and Julia
Mamaea; besides a very considerable number of
reverses. Most of these moulds are in such
perfect preservation, as to admit of good casts
being made of them in sulphur, coloured "with
Vermillion, some of which, together with a few
of the moulds themselves, I now send for your
satisfaction, and that of the Antiquarian Society,
if you should think this letter worth commu-
nicating.
" In the accounts that have been published
* Phil. Trans, vol. xliv. p. 557. t Ibid. vol. xxiv. p. 2139.
72 COINS OF THE ROMANS
respecting them, in England, there is very little
more than the bare mention of their discovery,
and of the use to which they were applied; but
in the " Histoire de V Academie des Inscriptions^''
torn. iii. p. 218, there is a very well written
paper on the subject, entitled, " Observations sur
r Usage de quelque Monies Antiques de Monnoies
Romai7ies, decoiwerts a Lyons ^'' the principal part
of which I insert in the note appended to this
article, as being extremely curious in itself, and
not accessible to every lover of antiquity: con-
tenting myself, to avoid repetition, with briefly
observing, that the object of the paper is to shew,
that these moulds were the instruments of illegal
coiners, which supposition is rendered very pro-
bable by the argument there adduced, and is
still further confirmed by the following circum-
stances attending this last discovery of moulds
at Edington.
" Though we have frequent instances, as in
the moulds at Lyons, of a head on one side, and
on the other a reverse, yet it often happens that
there are reverses on both sides, and these en-
tirely different from each other; which, as both
impressions must have been made at the same
instant, whilst the clay was moist, can only be
accounted for on the supposition that the coins
of several emperors were fabricated at one and
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 73
the same time, and this, it is evident, could only
take place in the hands of illegal coiners.
" The discovery of the wedge of base metal,
found together mth the moulds at Lyons, affords
certainly a strong presumption that they were
designed for the fabrication of base coins ; but it
is no more than a presumption : that such, how-
ever, was the use made of these which are in our
possession, cannot well be doubted, since we not
only found, as at Lyons, a lump of metal, but
likemse, in one instance, the very coin itself,
lodged in its mould, and formed like the lump of
a white metal resembling silver, but which, upon
examination, proves to be principally tin.
" The nature of these moulds, and the unlaw-
ful purpose to which they were applied, being
thus ascertained, it is natural to enquire whether
we are likely to derive any useful knowledge from
the great variety of figures and inscriptions found
upon them? To this I am reluctantly obliged
to answer, that, in my opinion, we are not.
The reverses of coins have frequently been of the
greatest service, by illustrating doubtful points
of history, and even by bringing to light circum-
stances and events unkno^vn to us before; but I
do not see how the reverses on moulds ever can
be made this use of, since it does not apply, "with
certainty, any given reverse to its proper front,
L
74 COINS OF THE ROMANS
unless it should happen that we are authorised
by the coin itself; in which case the additional
testimony of the mould is not wanted.* This
consideration has deterred me from troubling
you Avith the legends, or any particular descrip-
tion of the fronts and reverses. I cannot, how-
ever, help mentioning my hope that, though of
great use in elucidating general history, these
moulds, found at, and near Edington, in such
vast quantities, and in such various places, may
possibly hereafter contribute towards clearing up
the ancient topography of that particular neigh-
bourhood."
Note.
[Tra}islation.'\
" The substance of these moulds is a baked white clay.
Their shape is flat and terminated by a circumference an inch
in breadth. Their thickness is two li(/nes at the edges, and
within this space it is diminished, on one or both sides of the
mould, by the depth of the coin, the type of which is there
impressed. We say on one or both sides of the mould, because
the greater number have, on one side, the impression of a
head, and on the other that of a reverse, while some of them
are impressed on one side only. Each mould has a notch or
indentation on one part of its edge, which reaches to the vacant
space formed by the body of the impressed coin ; and as the
flat shape and equality of the circumference of all the moulds
adapts them for joining together in such a relative arrangement
* See note f P'lge 77.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 75
as to bring the types of heads opposite to those of the re-
verses, of which an impression is preserved, and in a position
where all the notches meet each other, it is at once apparent,
that the furrow made by these indentations serves as a jet or
casting-hole to the group, or rouleau, formed by the junction
of moulds, for casting the metal intended for the coins.
" An ingot of debased silver, found at the same time and
place as these moulds, the green rust of which indicated the
large proportion of copper intermixed with it, leaves no room
to doubt that thev had been used for casting silver rather than
gold money. It appears from this description, and from the
use the ancients made of these moulds, that their mode of
making casts was very much like ours : but what is peculiarly
worthy of notice is the quality of earth they employed, which
was so excellent, and so well prepared, that after 1400 years,
their moulds are perfect enough to receive several castings."
After producing many arguments to prove that the only
legal method of coining among the Romans, was with the
hammer, the author asks : — " What can we suppose these
moulds to be, if they were not used by those forgers who
superadded debasement of the standard to counterfeit casting,
by largely increasing the proportion of alloy ? — as is evident
from the quality of the ingot discovered at the same time,
which coincides with the system of forgery alluded to in the
Theodosian code, in the following terms : — 'Si quis nummum
falsa fusione formaverit, universas ejus facultates fisco addici
prsecipimus, ut in monetis tantum nostris cudendae pecuniae
studiura frequentetur. — If any one shall fabricate coin by false
casting, we command all his property to be given up to the
treasury, in order that the business of coining money may be
carried on only in our own mints.'
" Hence arises that remarkable difference of value which is
often observed in many coins of the same reverse, of the same
epoch, and under the same emperor. This way of counter-
feiting money was more general than that of plating, from the
time of Pliny, who remarks, that it was practised with such
76 COINS OF THE ROMANS
dexterity, that it was so difficult to distinguish a piece of money
which had been coined from one cast in sand by a skilful
forger, that this knowledge had become a particular art, and
that some of these pieces were so well fabricated, that the
curious often gave many good coins to get possession of a false
one. The decline of the art of engraving, which, under Sep-
timius Severus, was already very considerable, and the altera-
tion which he had introduced in the standard of money, were
more and more favourable to forgers and false coiners, by ren-
dering their deceptions more easy ; so that the number of the
moulds which have been discovered at Lyons, at different
periods, leads us to think that these false coiners must have
existed in great numbers. Indeed, at length they became so
numerous, even in the cities where there were prefects of the
mint, and among the officers and workmen employed therein,
tliat they were able to form, at Rome, under the Emperor
Aurelian, a little army, who, for fear of the punishment with
which they were threatenetl, revolted against him, and killed,
at the first onset, 7000 of the regular troops."
IL*
" The Roman coin moulds which have, at diffe-
rent times, been found in France in great num-
bers together, and particularly at Lyons, have
exercised the curiosity of almost every antiquary.
At their head must be ranked Count de Caylus,
Avho has treated the subject at length. Opinions
are divided with regard to them ; some consider-
iiiir them the Avork of forii;ers, others thinkino"
From the Revue Numit^nuitique Fran^aise.
KELATING TO BRITAIN. 77
that the Romans themselves, at certain epochs,
moulded their money; and especially about the
time when the quality of the silver began to be
greatly altered.*
" I have drawn two of these moulds to illustrate
my observations: and I hope to be able to
resolve, or at least to clear up, some difficulties
which have hitherto attended the subject. They
were obtained from a collection, discovered some
years ago, on the heights of Fourvieres, near
Lyons; thirty-four of them came into my pos-
session. It seems that there was a greater num-
ber of them ; and that this same discovery is the
subject of Grivaud de la Vincelle's work, entitled
' A Collection of Ancient Monuments of Gaul.'
" No. 1 is, by the obverse, one of Soemias;
inscription, ivlia soemias avg. Reverse font.
TR. p. VI. cos.f Pallas, standing, holding in one
hand an inverted spear, and victory in the other.
* i. e. after the reigns of the Antonines. There had, how-
ever, heen occasional reductions in the standard of the Roman
silver, long previous to the reign of Antoninus Pius. The
Denarii of Mark Antony have about 10 grains of alloy in 56
of pure silver, while those of Augustus have about 2 grains
only of alloy ; this alone was sufficient to cause that mutiny of
the triumvir's soldiers, to which Pliny alludes. — /. Y. A.
t The legend of the reverse here illustrates the observations
which follow hereafter ; the pontifical and tribunitian record
can have nothino^ to do with a denarius of Soemias : it doubt-
78 COINS OF THE ROMANS
" No. 3 lias tlic liL'iid of Ciinicalla laureatcd,
with the mscription antoninvs pivs avg. without
any reverse.
" These moulds are of earth, Avhich has ac-
quired by fire a dark red colour, and the con-
sistency of brick. The paste of which they are
made is rather fine.
" It is easy to understand the way in Avhich the
ancients used these moulds to cast their money.
They first Avorked up some clay, so as to form a
tablet flat on both sides, and about two lignes*
thick on the border, Avhere it was rounded. A
piece of money was applied to each side, Avhicli
of course left a hollow impression in the clay.
The tablet intended to form the end of the pile,
had an impression on one side only. Care was
taken to place these tablets on one another, so
that the reverse corresponded with its head;
their misplacement would have produced some
less belongs to a coin of Severus or Caracalla ; certainly not of
her son Elagabalus, who held the tribunitian power but five
times. Of course, it is evident that, in the present instance^
the reverse of the mould could never appear as the reverse of a
coin, having the head of Soemias : at the same time, it is
equally evident that the reverse of a mould, as inapplicable to
the head of Soemias as the present one, might, by a wrong
arrangement of the series, produce, what is popularly called, a
blundered reverse. — J . Y. A.
* The French li(jnc is the twelfth part of an inch nearly.
EELATING TO BRITAIN, 79
of those wrong reverses, of which the instances
are not few on ancient coins.* Placed on one
another so as to form a roll or cylinder, they
were luted together Avith soft clay, tliat closed
all outlets. De Caylus speaks of a roll, con-
sisting of eight tablets, and which was not a com-
plete one. One is also mentioned in the History
of the Academy of Inscriptions, which must be
in the Cabinet de Medailles, at Paris, but the
author, M. Mahudel, does not indicate the num-
ber of tablets. M. Hennin, in his excellent
' Manuel de Numismatique/ expresses his sur-
prise that on the moulds which exhibit a head
and reverse, the reverse does not correspond
with the head : it would be more surprising if it
were othermse, and M. Hennin's usual pene-
tration is here at fault. The tablet at the ter-
raiination of each pile, having only either a head
or a reverse, it is plain that the next in succession
must have either the reverse or the head cor-
responding, and so on. If each obverse had its
corresponding reverse on the same mould, the
* These coins with blundered or inappHcable reverses, were
at one time numismatic puzzles, and led to much false reason-
ing. They so often occur at this period of the Roman em-
pire, that the antiquary will do well to examine carefully all
specimens, before he ventures on any speculations concerning
them. — J. Y. A.
80 COINS OF THE ROMANS
whole pile must be a repetition of the same
mould, to produce the intended impressions:
but this is contrary to observation.
" The piles, when duly arranged, were subjected
to fire to receive the necessary hardness ; and it
only then remained to pour the melted metal
into the channel formed by the small notch, cut
on the edge of each mould. It is not kno^vn
whether the moulds were broken in order to get
out the pieces thus formed, or whether there was
another process of extracting them: it is pro-
bable, however, that the moulds served more
than once. Lastly, the jet of metal attaching
to each coin was carefully taken off. — De Caylus
says, that he used one of these moulds, which he
had properly cleaned, and obtained from it some
well formed pieces.*
"Were these moulds used by forgers, or by the
moneyers of the empire ? This cjuestion has been
made the subject of several dissertations; Caylus
embraces the latter opinion, and endeavours to
prove that the Romans must have equally used
coinage and founding, for the formation of their
gold and silver money. f In support of this
* This experiment, which has been repeated by the Rev.
J. B. Reade, and others, shews that the same pile of moulds
might be used for several castings. — /. Y. A.
t There does not appear to be any evidence that the Romans
ever cast their (/ohl coins. — J. Y. A.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 81
opinion, we must observe that it is precisely to
the period when the quality of the money was
singularly altered, that these moulds belong; so
far at least, as they have hitherto been dis-
covered.* On the other hand, it is incontest-
able, that much of the money of the reigns of
Septimius Severus, and his successors, is cast ; for
were their coins attributed to forgers, then, in
this case, the quantity of bad money would,
perhaps, have exceeded that of the good.f M.
Hennin, in his manual, does not pronounce a
decided opinion: he supposes that the forgers
may have been tacitly allowed by government.
This opinion has something specious in it; but it
is an unsupported conjecture. Grivaud de la
Vmcelle goes farther, and maintains that it must
be the workmen of the Mint at Lyons, who car-
ried on this clandestine mintage. The latter, as
well as Gerard Jacob Kolb, M. Champollion-
Figeac, and Mangeart, think that these moulds
belonged to forgers. The first of these, whose
* It is singular that among the moulds discovered at Ling-
well Gate, was one of Antoninus Pius. It was presented to the
Numismatic Society by the Rev. J. B. Reade. See note *,
page 82.-7. F. A.
t It is remarkable that the plated forgeries of the times of
the Caesars are, in some instances, much more numerous than
genuine coins ; witness the denarii of Claudius, and those of
Domitilla. — J. Y . A.
M
82 COINS OF THE ROMANS
opinion is much more decisive than that of the
other two, endeavours also to prove, that this
counterfeit issue must have taken phice only
under Alexander Severus.* But this point — of
no great importance to my present subject — does
not appear sufficiently clear.
" The opinion of these learned antiquaries does
not seem to me sufficiently fortified with reasons ;
I think it well to endeavour, in a few words, to
make up for their silence. The strongest reason,
in my opinion, for believing that these moulds
must have been used by forgers, is, that it
* The fact, that there are many ancient coins of Alexander
Severus which appear to have been cast in moulds, is not
sufficient to justify such an imputation. I am of opinion,
that the practice of casting pieces of an inferior quality, was
first resorted to either in the reign of S. Severus or Caracalla,
of both of whom the specimens are the most numerous ; though
even this circumstance would not be conclusive : for it is not
improbable, that an emperor, who resorted to such means of
false coining, would occasionally use the coins of his prede-
cessors, upon whom the odium would fall in the event of their
being detected by his subjects. Detection, however, was not
an easy matter ; the quality of the coins could only be as-
certained by the numidarii or money-changers, who, in their
turn, would be puzzled to pronounce on the fineness of money,
the quality and standard of which was, in all probability, never
publicly announced by the emperor. Complimentary legends
on Roman coins must be regai'ded with caution ; but it may
be mentioned, that Alexander Severus is styled, on some of his
monev, restitvtor monet^. — /. Y. A.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 83
appears certain, that the dies which coiners used,
were broken as soon as they were no longer
wanted. A very small number of these dies
have come do^vn to us, and yet their number
must have been immense, considering the extreme
variety of the impressions on money.* Is it
supposable, that they would have destroyed the
metal dies, and preserved the earthen moulds,
the destruction of which was far more easy ?
" I foresee an objection which mil not fail to be
raised ; since we allow, it will be said, that the
makers of money were able to make use of
moulds, how happens it, if they were of metal,
that not one has reached us? We conceive the
discovery of one of these metal moulds would
greatly simplify the question. The small num-
ber of dies that have been found, makes it not
unlikely that there existed also metallic moulds ;
besides, it is very credible, that the destruction
of these moulds must have been more particu-
* There is reason to believe, that, in almost every instance,
the dies were engraved punches, which yielded to every blow of
the hammer ; hence the very uncommon occurrence of two
coins from the same die. When the punch thus used ceased
to perform its office, the mutilated die was perhaps effaced, and
another engraved upon the same piece of metal. Still, as
M. Poey d' Avant suggests, the dies may have been destroyed
by the imperial command, in the presence of the Mint-master.
— /. Y. A.
84 COINS OF THE ROMANS
larly looked to, since the use of them would have
been much more easy than that of dies ; and the
forgers, who swarmed at that period, would not
have failed to use them, had they fallen into
their hands.
" These forgers profited by the reduction of
the quality of silver, to carry on their criminal
craft. This point seems to me evident; their
profits became more certain, and their produc-
tions were so much the more easy to pass the
more difficult it was to distinguish them from
genuine money. Lyons, being the seat of a
mint, the forgers would have established them-
selves there in preference. Aurelius Victor relates
that their number had increased to such a degree
in Italy, that under Aurelian, they formed a
body of sufficient importance openly to with-
stand this prince, and cause him in one en-
counter a loss of nearly 7000 regular troops. I
therefore maintain, that moulds of baked earth
of Roman coins were used by forgers; but, in
order to reconcile all opinions, I allow that these
works were secretly authorised by the Emperors,
who, involved in debt, in consequence of their
luxury and debaucheries, considered all means
good that tended to fill the coffers of the state :
this would not, however, explain why the moulds
were not destroyed.
" F. PoEY d' Avant, de Melle."
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 85
III.*
Account of a Manufactory for Money, dis-
covered AT DaMERY in the DEPARTMENT OF
Marne, 1830.
" The examination of the question, whether the
moulds for Roman money found near Lyons,
had been used by forgers, or by the officers of
government, an inquiry in which M. Poey
d' Avant has lately been engaged, after the
Academy of Inscriptions, and almost all the
antiquaries of the eighteenth and nineteenth cen-
turies, gives a new value to the discovery now
under consideration ; and in fact, though it may
not decide the question, it at least throws a new
light upon it.
" During the mnter of 1829-1830, some ex-
cavations made in a very small part of the site
of the park of the old castle of Damery, a town
near Epernay, built on the ruins of Bib^, the
first station on the military road from Rheims to
Beauvais, brought to view, at the depth of several
feet, under a heap of ashes charcoal and broken
tiles, the remains of extensive buildings de-
molished by fire, having evidently served for
* From the Revue Numismatique Fran^aise, torn. i.
86 COINS OF THE ROMANS
baths and a moneyer's workshop. In some ad-
joining apartments, there were found, in a short
space of time, several vases full of coins.
" The first vase contained at least 2000 pieces
of base silver, more than 1500 of which bore the
head of Postumus ; the remainder presented the
series which is generally found from the elder
Philip down to that tyrant : the only rare piece
was one of the younger Macrianus ; the reverses,
although very various for the coins of Postumus,
were all common ; lastly, the fabric was bad, and
the metal much alloyed: and those mth the
impression of Postumus were comparatively more
defective than the others.
" Another vase contained : —
" 1. A silver coin of Antoninus.
"2. Five small brass, of the money of Treves,
Avith the types of Rome and Constantinople.
"3. 100 other small brass, of the money of
Treves, Lyons, Aries, Aquileia, Sisseg (P. S),
and Rome ; Avith the impressions of Constans and
Constantius, sons of Constantine, and having for
those three emperors, the three same reverses,
viz., FELIX TEaiP. REPAEATio; a warrior giving
his hand to a small figure — same inscription, the
emperor standing on a galley — victoriae dd.
AVGG. NN. Victories presenting croAvns.
" 4. About 3900 pieces in small brass of the
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 87
fourth size, all in perfect preservation, and all
vnih the impressions of the same emperors, Con-
stans and Constantius, and with the unusual
reverse of a Phoenix on a globe, placed on a rock,
with the inscription felix temp, reparatio.
" The greater part of these pieces bore on the
exergue the mark of the money of Treves, several
that of the money of Lyons, and one only bore
the exergual letters sis, attributed in like
manner to the money of Sisseg. The types were
various. Nevertheless, and in the face of these
formal indications of manufacture in places far
distant from one another, the identity of the
alloy and of the impression of these 3900 coins
was such, and their preservation so perfect and
so equal, that the thought forces itself upon us,
that they had been made in the same manufac-
tory, and that they had never quitted it to be
put into circulation. This supposition, justified
also by the uniformity of the impressions, seems
fully confirmed by the discovery in an adjoining-
apartment, of a money manufactory in full ac-
tivity.
" There, under a heap of ashes and tiles, were
found together, shears, and the remains of other
iron instruments, suitable for the making of
money; and several collections of moulds of
baked earth, still containing the pieces which had
88 COINS OF THE ROMANS
been cast in them, and the ingot formed by the
superfluous metal. These moulds, not so thick,
and of a coarser earth than those communicated
by M. Poey d' Avant, were in other respects
entirely similar. Like those found at Fourvieres,
they were moulded from the money which they
were intended to reproduce, by pressing the
models between disks of worked clay of larger
diameter, in order to form ledges, and were then
placed one upon another, so that with the ex-
ception of the first and last, they received on
each face the stamp of the obverse and the re-
verse of a piece. The cavities and the impres-
sions being obtained by this process both easily
and accurately, the disks composing the moulds
were notched, in order to form a passage for the
fused metal; they were then hardened in the
fire, replaced on one another, notch over notch,
and in the same order as when moulded, and
lastly, luted with clay, so as to form a cylinder
similar to that found at Fourvieres, and described
by M. de Caylus.
" But the last operation that preceded the found-
ing escaped the notice of that antiquary. The
piles of moulds were combined in threes,* placed
* It may be observed that a double and not a triple pile was
used at Lingwell Gate, as appears from the drawing which I
have received from the Rev. S. Sharp, of Wakefield. — ,7. Y./4.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 89
at the side of one another, and in contact, so that
the notches, for the introduction of the metal,
communicated with the hollow space formed by
the three cylindrical surfaces when applied to
one another; which space, therefore, served as a
general channel for the melted matter. Such
was the disposition of the groups of moulds found
in the ruins of Bibe. The ingot drawn in illus-
tration of these observations, is one of those
formed by the superabundant metal in the chan-
nel. It is bristled with three longitudinal lines
of twelve points each, more or less prominent,
these points being the remains of the ramification
of metal that entered by the notches of the
twelve moulds, in each of the three piles con-
stituting the group; and thus thirty-six pieces
were cast at once. These observations, M. de
Caylus was not enabled to make. There is no
doubt but these moulds, as well as those much
more perfect, found at Fourvieres, were used for
more than one casting. With a little care, the
pieces were taken out without breaking the
moulds; and M. de Caylus made an experiment
on the latter, which even some of those found in
the ruins of Bibe might bear, although they had
undergone, at the time of the conflagration of
this Koman establishment, the action of tlie
jnost violent fire. The moulds found at various
N
90 COINS OF THE ROMANS
times at Fourvieres, were of the types of Sep-
timius Severus, Julia Domna, Caracalla, Geta,
Soemias, Msesa, and Alexander Severus.
" Only thirty-two moulds were found uninjured
in the ruins of the work at Bibc, and these are
scarcely the tenth part of the whole. Three
bear the head of Caracalla, four that of the
elder Philip, and twenty-five that of Postumus
Avith nine varieties of reverses.
" The following is the description in detail of
the unpressions on the moulds preserved in the
cabinets of M. Lucas Desaint, of Rheims, and
M. Thiers, with the number of duplicates.
CARACALLA.
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. GERM. Crowned head (large
size).
Rev. VENVS VICTRIX. Venus Victrix, standing, having a
figure of Victory on her right hand, and the hasta
transversely in her left; her elbow leaning on a buckler.
Bev. SECVRITAS PERPETVA. Minerva standing.
Rev. CARITAS MVTVA AVGG. Two hands joined.
PHILIP THE ELDER.
IMP. PHILIPPVS AVGG.
Rev. ^TERNITAS AVGG. A figure on an elephant.
Rev. SiECVLVM NOVVM. Jupiter in a temple.
Rev. FIDES EXERCITVS. Four military standards.
Rev. SiECVLARES AVGG. Hippopotamus.
POSTUMUS.
IMP. C. POSTVMVS P. F. AVG.
Rev. FELICITAS AVG. A woman standing, her I'ight
hand on a long caduceus, and holding in her left a
cornucopia. (4 dupl.)
RELATING TO BEITAIN. 91
Rev. MONETA AVG. Moneta standing. (2 duj)l.)
Rev. L^TITIA AVG. Galley. (2 dupl.)
Rev. S^CVLI FELICITAS. The emperor in military
costume, holding a globe, and the hasta transversely.
(7 dii-pl)
Rev. FIDES EXERCIT. Two ensigns. (3 dupl.)
Rev. HERCVLI DEVSONIENSI. Hercules standing,
leaning on his club. (3 dupl.)
Rev. HERCVLI PACIFERO. Hercules standing, holding
a branch.
Rev, NEPTVNO COMITI. Neptune standing.
Rev. DIANA LVCIFERA. Diana.
Rev. Without impression.
"We may suppose that the broken or dispersed
moulds reproduced the different impressions of
the silver pieces found in great numbers in the
apartments adjoining the workshop, pieces which
must in great measure have proceeded from the
active casting that was going on. This suppo-
sition seems especially to hold for the 1500 silver
pieces of Postumus, in which the bad alloy and
defective make were particularly remarkable.
With respect to the 3900 small brass, with the
reverse of the phoenix, it is maintained, that they
were struck in the manufactory of Bibe, although
bearing the marks of the money of Treves and
Lyons. And indeed it is conceived, that in
those times of confusion, the money of the em-
perors must have followed their camps, and been
continually within reach of their residence. The
sinmltaneous discovery under the same ruins of
92 COINS OF THE ROMANS
these small brass coins, Avitli the effigies of Con-
stans and Constant ins, and of moulds still en-
closing the money of Caracalla, Philip, and Pos-
tumus, which had been cast in them, proves
besides this very important fact, that the latter
had been made under the i^eign of those two first
emperors only. Independently of these consider-
able stores, there have been frequently found at
Damery, isolated pieces ; but none of those sub-
mitted to my inspection was after the reign of
the sojis of Constantine, the period to which we
must assign the total ruin of Bibe by the Franks,
who then were making incursions into Belgic
Gaul.
" The following conclusions result from these
discoveries, discoveries which we have endea-
voured minutely to describe, and which are of
more importance to the critic than those of Four-
vieres : —
"1. That if, according to the testimony of
Pliny, forgers were the first to adopt the method
of casting, to counterfeit ancient money, the
emperors from the time of Postumus availed
themselves of this process to reproduce secretly,
and in metal of bad alloy, the money of their
predecessors.
" 2. That it is to these reproductions (clan-
destine) we must attribute the enormous quantity
RELATING TO BEITAIN. 93
of silver money, of inferior quality and defective
make, with the impressions of the Cassars, from
the time of Septimius Severus, down to Pos-
tumus.
" Lastly, they explain the total want of silver
money, from Victorinus to Dioclesian, and the
great rarity of that of the lower empire.
" In fact, it results, from these discoveries,
that under the reigns of the Ctesars, Constans,
and Constantius, there were cast, in a mint es-
tablished at Bibe, large quantities of money,
"with the stamp of the emperors who had reigned
from Caracalla to Postumus; and that this
manufactory, situated in the heart of a town, and
near public baths, did not belong to forgers, but
was for the imperial money; in which copper
money was struck with the die of the reigning
emperors, and the silver money of the ancient
Caesars, still more adulterated than the original
pieces, was reproduced by founding. Hence the
possibility that the reigning emperor did not
strike silver money with his die, nor maintain
faithfully the quality of the small quantity which
he issued ; since at the same time that he threw
into circulation the quantity of specie necessary
for civil and commercial transactions, by means
of ancient money secretly reproduced, he di-
minished its intrinsic value. It was besides
94 COINS OF THE ROMANS
evident that the small number of silver pieces
struck Avith the die of the Caesars, from the time
of Dioclesian down to the destruction of the
Western Empire, could not satisfy the wants of
the public; and that even in those disastrous
times, the money of the former Caesars had con-
tinued current during that period, but, dis-
appearing in the continual concealments that
took place in consequence of war and endless
ravages, the emperors, to their great profit, clan-
destinely reproduced it, instead of multiplying
specie of good standard, struck with their own
die. We conceive, then, that having the choice,
they reproduced in preference money, the quality
of which had been reduced previously ; and thus
all the moulds discovered, bear the head of Sep-
timius Severus who had altered the money first,
and of his successors doAvn to Postumus, who had
all followed his example ; for though it is easy to
discover, by mere inspection, whether the silver
of any money be pure or not, it is impossible to
judge, by this means, of the quantity of adul-
teration.
" It had long been remarked, that there was a
great inequality in the degree of alteration (or
reduction) of the money struck at the same
time, and with the mark of the same emperor.
We cannot now doubt that such differences
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 95
are the consequence of these fraudulent repro-
ductions.
" And thus, if the emperors punished the al-
teration of the money as a sacrilege, it was cer-
tainly with the view of securing to themselves
the monopoly of this shameful source of profit.
" HiVER."
IV.*
Observations on the Roman Coin-Moulds
FOUND AT LiNGWELL-GaTE, NEAR WaKEFIELD,
IN THE YEARS 1697, 1706, 1820, and 1830.
By THE Rev. J. B. Reade, M. A., F.R.S.
" It was my design, in a former paper,*)* to state,
in few words, the present position of the question
which has been raised, as to the origin and use
of Roman coin-moulds, and also to suggest an
expedient for its solution. As regards the for-
mation of the moulds, it is supposed either that
they were sent from Rome, — or that they were
made of sand which had been brought to the place
where they are found, — or that they were made
of the sand and clay of the spot ; and each of
these opinions has able advocates. As regards
* From the Numismatic Chronicle, vol.i.
t Numismatic Journal, vol.ii. p. 58.
96 COINS OF THE ROMANS
the metallic currency which these moulds were
designed to furnish, it is supposed that it either
proceeded wholly from the clandestine operation
of forgers, — or that the authorities countenanced
this iUicit extension of public money, and availed
themselves of the supply, — or, that under the
express sanction of the senate, the colonial sol-
diers were hereby provided with lawful coin of
the realm. Here also, as before, we might sup-
port these different views by important documents
which have been laid before learned societies.
When, however, such and so many conflicting
statements are brought before us, it immediately
strikes us, notwithstanding the allowed skill of
the debaters, that they cannot all be true ; while,
at the same time, the ability mth which such
different positions are maintained, renders it very
difficult to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
Under these circumstances, an appeal to facts
appears to be our only resource.
" With regard then to the origin of these
moulds, the means by which I propose to prove
generally, that they were made on or near the
spot where they are from time to time discovered,
has especial reference to the extensive and inte-
resting series which has been found at Lingwell-
Gate. In the course of an enquiry into the solid
materials which constitute the ashes of plants,
RELATING TO BRITAIN. i'T
and of which silica is a very iiii[)ortaiit one, I
observed that the minute and beautiful organi-
zation which this substance exhibits, is not easily
disturbed by pressure, in consequence of its
extreme minuteness, while, from the very nature
of the material, it is necessarily indestructible by
heat. Hence, under the expectation of finding
other traces of siliceous structure, I was led to
the examination of silica as it enters into the
different strata which form the crust of the
earth; and thus the siliceous particles consti-
tutino; the chief mass of Roman coin-moulds Avas
subjected to microscopic examination. Passing
by many observations, which would readily pre-
sent themselves on the nature of this mode of
investigation, I proceed to state, that the dis-
covery of more than one species of well known
Fossil Infusoria^ of the genus Navicida, in the
sand of some of the coin-moulds, seemed to point
out a new, but apparently effectual expedient,
for enabling us, without much risk of error, to
assign the moulds in question to their proper
locality. For, should it appear upon subsequent
examination, that the common soil, or sand of
the field in which the moulds were found, is
characterised by siliceous shields of similar in-
fusoria, then it would be the most natural and
obvious conclusion, that the Koman coin-moulds
o
98 COINS OF THE ROMANS
turned up by the plough at Liugwcll-Gate, were
made on the spot, and of the soil where they were
found. A recent journey to Yorkshire gave me
an opportunity of investigating, and of verifying
this curious speculation; and I can now state
that the sand of the field, which I have carefully
examined, is marked by the presence of the in-
fusoria of the coin-moulds. The general form of
these animalcules is elliptical, having a major
axis of about the y^ of an inch, and the length of
the major and minor axis, in the proportion of
nearly 6 to 1 : there are also about 100 minute
stripes at right angles to two parallel and central
longitudinal lines ; and at each extremity, and in
the middle of these lines, there is a small circular
orifice. It appears, from a memoir by Professor
Ehrenberg, that these infusoria are widely dif-
fused ; and when they occur in masses, or layers,
the aggregation receives the name of tripoli, and
is largely used for purposes of practical utility;
for, as Professor Ehrenberg remarks, ' The sol-
dier cleans his arms with tripoli, the worker in
metal, the locksmith, and the engraver, polish
Avith infusoria, which also serve for moulds in
foundries.' For this latter purpose, we shall not
be disposed to doubt that they were used at
Lingwell-Gate.
" The second main point in this inquiry, pre-
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 99
seiits greater difficulty than the first. But here
also, no small advantage may be gained, by a
comparison of the different local circumstances
which are connected with the most recent dis-
coveries of these moulds in this country and on
the continent: I allude to the discoveries at
Lingwell-Gate, in the county of York, and at
Damery in the department of Marne. Of the
discovery at the latter place, a very elaborate
account has been furnished by M. Hiver, Pro-
cureur du Roi at Orleans, in the Revue de la
Numismatique Fran9aise, No. 3, Mai et Juin.
But as a translation of this memoir is inserted in
the present number of the Numismatic Chronicle,
it will suffice to state that the facts detailed and
established by M. Hiver, necessarily lead us to
the following important conclusion: — viz. that
under the reigns of the Cassars, Constans and
Constantius, and immediately prior to the ruin
of Bibe by the Franks, who were then making
incursions into Belgic Gaul, there were cast, by
means of moulds, in a mint estabhshed at Bibe,
large quantities of money, with the type of the
emperors who had reigned from Caracalla to
Postumus; and, that this manufactory, situated
in the heart of a town, and adjoining the public
baths, did not belong to forgers, but was for the
imperial money; in which copper money was
lUU COINS OF THE ROMANS
struck with the die of the reigning emperors, and
the silver money of the ancient Caesars Avas re-
produced, not in copper, but in base silver, from
the moulds.
" If now we refer to the very different cir-
cumstances which are connected with the dis-
covery at Lingwell-Gate, we shall find that the
clandestine operation of forgers stands in striking
contrast with the recognised and open proceed-
ings of the constituted authorities at Bibe. Con-
cealment here takes the place of publicity ; and
the selected spot is no longer in the centre of a
town, but in the heart of a forest ; and at a dis-
tance from the main road, instead of near public
baths. The money, also, now produced, and
A\'hich, in some instances, is still remaining in
the moulds, was not of largely alloyed silver, as
at Bibe, but of copper ; and since, at this period
of the empire, mere copper denarii would be
worse than useless, there can be no doubt that
the skill of the forgers would supply a coating of
silver, before putting them into circulation.
" On the whole, therefore, it seems to amount
almost to a certainty, that the moulds were
made on, or near, the spot where they are from
time to time discovered, and they were used in
common by forgers, and by the Triumviri Mo-
netales; by the former at Lingwell-Gate, for the
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 101
purpose of procuring a private supply of coun-
terfeit money ; and ])y the latter at Elbe, for the
purpose of filling the 'exhausted coffers of the
state with a debased coinage of the ancient
C^sars. Thus, in each case, it is evident that,
in those degenerate days, both kings and subjects
acted out, in practice, what in the Augustan
age was confined to words : —
' O cives, cives, quserenda pecunia primum est.
Virtus post nummos.' — Hor."
A few years since, another discovery of moulds
was made during some excavations at Castor in
Northamptonshire, the Durobriv£e of Antoninus.
Engravings of specimens, together with the ap-
paratus for casting, will be found in a work by
Mr. T. Artis.* They offer, however, no pecu-
liarities, and are merely mentioned here for the
purpose of shewing that casting was extensively
used at this period of the Eoman empire.
I had long been of opinion that many of the
denarii of the time of Severus, as well as the
small brass of a later period preserved to our
times, were cast coins, though age had helped
* " The Durobrivpe of Antoninus identified, &c." atlas folio.
102
COINS OF THE ROMANS
to obliterate nearly all traces of the mould. The
precedmg })a|}ers sho3Y „.that these conjectures
were well-founded. In the British Museum are
several • dlay -It) ordlds, bearing impressions from
the very common and abundant types of the
Constantine family. The place of their discovery
is not kno'vvn.
I
Bronze vessel, containing gold and silver coins of Roman Emperors fiom Nero
to Hadiian, found in the crevice of a rock, at Thorngraflon, near Hexham, in
Northumberland, in the year 1837.
i
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 103
POSTUMUS.
The coins of this usurper are often discovered in
immense numbers in France, and are perpetually
turned up by the plough and the spade in Eng-
land. It is very probable that his rule extended
to Britain, and that some of his money was
struck in the province ; but we have no proof of
it. The large brass coin given by Yaillant,* and
other numismatic writers, with the legend exer-
CITVS Ysc, and attributed by them to Isca
Silurum,f are not admissible here : it is not
unlikely that the ysc. as well as the vac, J at-
tributed to the Yaccei in Hispania Tarraco-
nensis,§ are blundered or ill-formed attempts at
AVG.,|| which really does occur on other coins of
Postumus. There are several medallions of this
usurper both in gold and in brass, some of which
are of superior design and execution to the coins
of the period.
* Num. Imp. Rom. torn. i. p. 191.
-j- " Ysca urbs Anglise in regione Silulorum, in qua secunda
Legio August! hyemabat, qufe fidem Postumo prsestitit."
X Num. Imp. Rom. tom. i. p. 191.
§ Ibid. p. 192.
II Eckhel, Doct. Num. Vet vol.vii. p. 442, considers these
coins as blundered.
104 COINS (W THE liOxMANS
VICTORINUS.
The small brass coins of Victorinus are found
repeatedly in every part of England. Among
them are frequently seen rude imitations, of most
barbarous workmanship, which may be the at-
tempts of incompetent and unauthorised persons
in Britain. Coins of Yictorina, the mother of
this usurper, have been cited, but they are,
doubtless, blundered pieces of her son.
The types of the coins of Victorinus are very
immerous. The portrait is striking, and doubt-
less an authentic hkeness, since it may be observed
to vary but little even on what appear to be rude
and hastily struck pieces. On the brass medallion
in the national collection at Paris, it is perfectly
identical with those upon the inferior pieces.
MARIUS.
There are coins of this usurper in gold, base
silver, and small brass. They are noticed here,
not on the supposition that any of them were
minted in Britain, but simply to record the fact
that, brief as his reign was, tliii'd brass coins of
RELATING TO BIUTAIN. 105
Marius are occasionally discovered in England.*
It is well-known that the legions of Gaul pro-
claimed him emperor after the murder of Vic-
torinus at Cologne (a.d, 267). Historians say
that he enjoyed this honour but three days,
when he was assassinated; but Eckhelf is
of opinion that his reign extended to several
weeks, grounding it on the fact of the exist-
ence of many coins of Marius with different
reverses, none of Avhich, except the gold, are of
great rarity. With great respect for such an
authority, it may be supposed that it was the
custom of the usurpers of this period to prepare
money stamped with their e^gy, before their
assumption of the purple; and that on an ap-
pointed day the troops they commanded were
assembled in some public place, the usurper
announced his intentions, and showers of the
newly-prepared coins were thrown among them. J
* Specimens were found among a vast number of coins of
the lower empire, discovered in tlie Sand-hills at Deal a few
years since, and now in the possession of Mr. Rolfe of Sand-
wich ; and in the Numismatic Journal (vol. i. p. 132) is an
account of the discovery, near Swansea, of many coins of the
period, among which were a few of Marius. Several of them
were preserved by Mr. Francis for the Swansea Museum,
t Doct. Num. Vet. vol. vii. p. 454.
X See the remarks under Allectus.
lOG
COINS OF THE ROMANS
TETRICUS.
This usurper, of whom
and of his son there
are coins in the three
metals, those of brass
being discovered in
great numbers, both in
England and on the
continent, was elected
emperor by the legions
of Gaul (a. D. 267).
He held the reins of
government until the
succession of Aurelian,
when he voluntarily
resigned them to that
emperor, a. d. 272.
His reign doubtless
extended to Britain,
and some of his coins
may have been struck
in the island.* The
cuts here given are
accurate representations of stones, one of whicli
is still preserved at Bittern Manor House, near
Southampton .
* There is one circumstance against such a supposition,
namely, that the far greater number are found in France, where
*,peclv or two are not unfrequcntU' turned up.
RELATING TO EllITAIN. 107
DIOCLETIANUS AND MAXIMIANUS.
From the reign of Caracalla down to those of
Diocletian and Maximian, no Roman coins bear
alhision to the province of Britain, l)ut it is not
improbable that money was minted in the island
with the effigies of these emperors. The practice
of placing letters in the exergue to denote the
place of mintage appenrs to have become general
at this period, and Banduri* gives from Fou-
cault a coin of Diocletian in second l^rass, bearing
the very common type and legend: — Genius
standing, holding a patera over an altar, and
GENio POPVLi ROMANi, luit with the letters lon.
in the exergue, which, though they may signify
Lugdunum ojficina 7i(mo, in all probability stand
for i,owImwm. The authenticity of this coin
might have been questioned ; but the existence of
another of Maximian, having the same type and
exergual letters, removes all doubt. f It is sin-
gular, that though Constantius Chlorus resided
* Num. Imp. Rom. tom. ii. p. 19.
t This coin is in the cabinet of Mr. Nightinj^ale, and is
undoubtedly genuine. Another, found in Suffolk, was exhi-
bited to the Numismatic Society. See Proceedings of the
Num. Soc. April 22, 1841.
lUcS COINS OF THE ROMANS
for some time in England, and died at Eboracum
(York), no coins with his effigy have exergual
letters of the same description.
The remarkable gold coin represented in the
engraving (p. 109) was discovered in the Thames,
by the ballast dredgers in 1840, and was purchased
by Mr. C. R. Smith. Another, precisely similar, is
in the collection of Mr. Atherley, of Southampton.
The exergual letters ml would lead us to suppose
that this is a coin of the London mint, especially
when viewed in combination with the three g's,
denoting three emperors. The remarks on the third
brass of Carausius mth avggg. in the succeeding
section apply more especially to these gold coins.
At any rate, a comparison "with the famous gold
coin in the British Museum will shew a remarkable
similarity in the style of workmanship. There
can be no doubt but that ml on this rare example
signify Moneta Londinensis^ and it would be
scarcely necessary to insist, that on the money of
Diocletian and Maximian they have the same
signification.
The coin of Diocletian published by Banduri,
and the two specunens of Maximian in second
brass referred to above, are the only pieces of
these emperors which we may safely believe were
coined in Britain by their authority ; but the gold
coins above described, and the third brass of
RELATING TO BRITAIN.
109
Diocletian and Maximian reading pax avggg. ;
viRTVs AVGGG. &c., Avitli MLxxi., OP Other letters,
in the exergue, seem to have been struck by
order of Carausius, to give an appearance of rati-
fication and acknowledgment, on the part of the
emperors, of right to the title and power he had
assumed. These coins, in fabric and general ap-
pearance, much resemble those of Carausius, es-
pecially in the reverses, and are usually found
in company with them throughout England,
while they are not recorded or known ever to
have been discovered on the continent.
110 COINS OF THE ROMANS
CARAUSIUS.
[a.d. 287 TO A.D. 293.]
Doctor Stukeley, in his history of Carausius,
says that this usurper was a British prince and a
native of Saint David's. But he has no authority
for such a pedigree ; and the Menapia, in which
Carausius was in all probability born, was a city
of Batavia, not of Wales.* Although the Roman
historians differ in their accounts of his rank,
they yet seem agreed as to the obscurity of his
origin. One styles him a citizen of Menapia ;f
another says he was of the meanest extraction ; J
while a third describes him at once as a found-
ling ; § a sufficient proof that his birth was not
noble, as Doctor Stukeley would have us believe.
A digression on the utility of numismatic
studies would be out of place in a work like the
present; but I cannot pass over in silence one
* That is, if huts or cabins are allowed to form a city ; for
Dion Cassius (lib. xxxix.) says, they (the Menapians) hve
not in cities but in huts ; and Caesar says the same thing.
-j- Menapise civis. Aur. Victor. De Csesarib.
I Vilissime natus. Eutrop. lib. xi. c. 21.
§ Eumenius, Paneg. in Constantino, c. 5.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. Ill
circumstance relative to the coins of Carausius.
His name is scarcely ever rightly spelt by his-
torians, while on his coins we find not only that
by which he is commonly known, but also those
of Marcus Aurelius, and Valerius. Genebrier
has a list of the names which have been given to
him by various writers; and it must be con-
fessed that they are a ludicrous variety. They
are as follow: — Caratius, Karentius, Carentius,
Caurasius, Coravissius, Carassius, Carassus, and
Crausius. Victor calls him Corausius ; and Zo-
narus gives him the name of Crassus, and says
he reigned but three years in Britain.
In the year 287, the emperor Maximianus had
just suppressed the revolt of the peasants in
Gaul, when he received information of the usTir-
pation of Carausius, who had sailed over to
Britain with the Roman fleet, and assumed, mth
the purple, the title of Augustus. Carausius
had long been celebrated as a skilful pilot and a
valiant soldier; and his merit had obtained for
him the command of the Roman fleet stationed
at Boulogne to check the daring ravages of the
German pirates. It is said that, notwithstanding
the admiral's skill in naval affairs, he was un-
fitted for this important trust, and that he suf-
fered the pirates to proceed upon their ex-
peditions, and pounced upon them as they
112 COINS OF THE ROMANS
returned laden with spoil;* a charge which is
almost corroborated by the fact that he was pos-
sessed of great wealth at the time of his usur-
pation, Avith which he bribed the forces under
his command.
Arrived in Britain, the Arch-pirate, as he is
styled by Eum.enius,f defied the vengeance of
the emperors, and succeeded in ingratiating him-
self with the inhabitants, and the Roman troops
stationed in the island. The wealth of Carausius
was, it is said, reported to the emperors, who,
judging, from that circumstance, that he was
unworthy of the trust they had reposed in him,
had taken measures for his apprehension and
punishment. The usurper received intelligence
of his danger, and immediately made a bold and
successful effort to save himself. A very re-
markable and unique coin, formerly in the pos-
session of the late Mr. Douce, seems to allude to
this escape: it bore on the reverse, a female
figure grasping in each hand a serpent, with the
legend vitavi {I have escaped!). I was anxious
to obtain a drawing of this coin from that gen-
tleman, who kindly communicated to me several
* Eutropius, lib. xi. c. 21. Orosius, lib. vii. c. 25.
I " Adeo ut jam communis poenec timore depcsito archipi-
ratam satellcs occideret," &c. — Paneg. in Constantio Ca'S.
cap. xii.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 1 lo
unpublished types of Carausius; and was mor-
tified to find that it had been either lost or
mislaid. It is, however, accurately described in
my Descriptive Catalogue, where I have ven-
tured to give the following explanation of its
very curious type : — *
" This most extraordinary type is believed to
be the only one of the kind in the Roman series,
and the coin itself is probably unique. The sin-
gularity of the device encourages an attempt at
an explanation of its meaning. The female
figure would appear to be the good genius of
Carausius, and she grasps in each hand the
enemies of her protege, the emperor Diocletian
and his colleague, represented as serpents. May
we not, therefore, suppose that this very curious
coin was struck by Carausius immediately upon
his arrival in Britain, before the recognition of
his title by the emperors? It seems to confirm
the account of the historians, who inform us
that the rebel admiral, previous to his carrying
ofi* the Roman fleet, had received intelligence of
some meditated punishment from the emperors, "j-
* Mr. Douce, a few weeks before his death, informed me that
he had made dihgent search for this coin, hut without success,
and that it had probably been stolen, with other things, when
he removed to his residence in Gower Street.
t If it were not for the very singular legend expectate
Q
114 COINS OF THE ROMANS
" Time and chance" favoured the usurpation
of Carausius: he arrived among the Britons,
when their discontent had rendered them ripe
for rebellion. Tacitus informs us, that in his
time they groaned under the yoke of the Eomans :
they complained that instead of having one
master, as formerly, they had then two ; one was
the governor, who exercised his cruelty upon
their persons, and revelled in their blood; the
other was the procurator, who seized upon and
confiscated their property.* They suffered from
the same evils under Diocletianus and Max-
imianus, and therefore Avelcomed the arrival of
Carausius. The fleet which the usurper had
vENi on coins of Carausius, the authenticity of that witli vitavi
might be doubted on the ground that its form is altogether
unusual. After all, the latter may have been one of those
blundered, re-struck, or ill struck, coins of Carausius, of which I
have seen many examples. I have before me a brass coin of
Carausius, of extremely rude workmanship, struck on one of
Victorinus, the ill formed letters appearing not unlike this
very word !
* They were a prey, on all occasions, to the rapacity and
the licentiousness of the Roman troops : — " Singulos sibi olim
reges fuisse, nunc binos imponi : e quibus legatus in san-
guinem, procurator in bona sseviret : seque discordiam pr^e-
positorura, seque concordiam subjectis exitiosam : alterius,
manus, centuriones ; alterius, vim et contumelias miscere :
nihil jam cupiditati, nihil libidini exceptum." — Fita Agricol{je,
c. 15.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 115
carried off from Boulogne, had deprived the
emperors of the means of pursuit, and when, at
length, after great labour and expense, a new
armament was prepared, the imperial troops were
an easy conquest to the experienced sailors of
Carausius, on an element to which they were not
accustomed. The rebel admiral was secure in
his island retreat ; and the emperors, finding that
they could not punish their faithless servant, re-
luctantly accorded to him the title of Augustus.
I say ' reluctantly,' for it is impossible that the
assent of the emperors could be cordial, when it
was wrung from them by necessity. But there
is another circumstance which amounts almost to
a proof that the treaty was never formally rati-
fied. Coins of Carausius with tax avggg. —
LAETITIA AVGGG. MONETA AVGGG. PROVID.
AVGGG. and SALVS AVGGG. (the three g's denoting
three emperors), exist in considerable numbers,
but those of Diocletianus and Maximianus, with
the same indications, are of very unfrequent
occurrence; a circumstance which seems to have
escaped the notice of the discriminating and
sagacious Eckhel. Now, the usurper would
naturally publish the recognition of his title on
his numerous coins; but we are without proof
that the few coins of Diocletianus and Maximi-
anus with AVGGG. were issued by their connnand ;
IIG COINvS OF THE KOM^^NS
on the contrary, there appear to be some grounds
for supposing that they were inintecl by order of
Carausius, for they bear in the exergue the same
letters as are found on the coins of that usurper,
namely, mlxxi ; and are, besides, so like in fabric
to those of Carausius, that we are warranted in
believing them to have been minted by his order.*
Carausius enjoyed his honours seven years,
and, during that period, performed many acts
which evinced his ability to rule, notmthstanding
his defection from his masters. He defended
the frontiers of his empire from the Caledonians,
courted the friendship and alliance of the Franks,
upon the confines of whose country he was born,
and, in reward for their services, instructed them
in military and naval affairs. His fleets swept
the seas, and, commanding the mouths of the
Rhine and the Seine, ravaged the coasts, and
rendered the name of the once obscure Menapian
])ilot as celebrated as those of the emperors.
During this time, Carausius still kept possession
of Boulogne; but, in the year 292, the adoption
of the two Caesars, Constantius and Galerius,
added strength to the Roman arms. Maximianus
guarded the Rhine, and Constantius, taking com-
mand of the legions appointed for the British
* See the remarks on the coins of Maximianus, ante 107.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 117
war, iinmediately laid siege to Boulogne, Avliich,
after an obstinate resistance, surrendered to the
conqueror, who possessed himself of the naval
stores of Carausius. Constantius then turned
his arms against the Franks, and thus deprived
the usurper of the assistance of that warlike
people. Three years were consumed in the
preparation of a fleet for the recovery of Britain ;
but ere it was launched, news arrived of the
assassination of Carausius by his friend and
prime minister, Allectus. The event was con-
sidered as a presage of victory to the Roman
arms.
I have now to speak of the coins struck by
Carausius during his reign in Britain. The gold
coins of this usurper resemble those of Diocle-
tianus and his colleague, being of a fine and bold
but peculiar style of workmanship. The silver are
of inferior workmanship, and often of very base
quality. Many of them have illegible legends,
and probably were the work of ignorant moneyers,
if not of forgers. Numbers of the small brass
are also of very barbarous execution ; but all of
them bear a portrait which it is impossible to
confound Avith any other in the Roman series.*
* The silver medallion mentioned by Mionnet is merely a
third brass coin washed or plated with silver.
118 COINS OF THE ROMANS
As the types of the coins of Carausius are nu-
merous, they are placed in alphabetical order,
for more convenient reference. On those which
offer peculiarities I have ventured to remark,
but there are several which it may be suspected
were adopted because they were the favourite
types of the reigning emperors. Many of them
are of very rude execution. Some are given on
the authority of Stukeley alone ; and though they
may be authentic, they must, until verified, be
received with caution, since it was the practice
of that wild enthusiast to read a legend as he
wished it to be, and to explain a type, however
defaced and undccypherable, according to his
own fancy.*
Although many of the types and legends of the
money of this usurper are obviously copies of
those of the emperors, and some of their pre-
decessors, especially of Gallienus, it is yet posi-
tively certain that several reverses apply to
Carausius only: among these may be noticed
* Witness his description of Jupiter delivering a globe to
the emperor, a beautiful and eloquent type, not uncommon on
Roman coins, which he tells us is Venus presenting the apple
to her friend! This, with his absurd reveries about Orittna,
have rendered his name ridiculous to the really sensible and
enquiring antiquary.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 119
those of EXPECTATE VENI ancl CARAVSIVS ET
FRATRES svi ; wliile it is clear that such legends
as PRiNCiPi ivvENTVTz'.s and oriens avg. can have
no reference to the acts or to the situation of
Carausius. In the latter case they must have
been executed by ignorant, and probably illite-
rate, moneyers, without knowledge of their
application or significance. This remark applies
especially to some of the coins with the names of
the legions noticed hereafter.
GOLD AND SILVER.
L ADVENTVS AVG. {Advcntus August/.) The emperor on
horseback, his right hand elevated, his left holding
the hasta : before, a captive seated on the ground.
In the exergue, a thunderbolt. (Cabinet of J. Bru-
mell, Esq) ar.
2. Same legend. A similar type. In the exergue, — The ob-
verse has the laureated bust of Carausius, holding a
sceptre surmounted by an eagle. (In the Hunter col-
lection.) AR.
.3. Same legend. A similar tvpe on the reverse, with
ML. in the exergue. ar.
This is a common type on Roman coins. It
celebrates the arrival of an emperor; and the
coin here described was perhaps struck upon
occasion of the usurper's landing in Britain,
unless the seated captive be considered as im-
120 COINS OF THE ROMANS
plying a return from some victory on the
northern frontiers. Be this as it may, the
dress and attitude of Carausius denote that his
advent is a friendly one. His right hand is
raised and open, as if held out in amity and
peace: " Dextra vetat fugnas^'' says Statins.*
4. ADVENTVS AVGG. (or AVG.) The emperor casting a
javelin, and riding over two figures seated on the
ground. In the exergue, m. (Stukeley.) au.
5 AVGG. Jupiter and Hercules standing, both
naked ; the former holding the hasta and thunderbolt,
the other his club and the lion's skin. In the exergue,
+ + +. (In the British Museum). ar.
This type appears to have been imitated from
some of the numerous coins of Diocletian, and
his colleague Maximian, who, as is well kno"\vn,
assumed the names of Jupiter and Hercules.
No. 4 does not vary from the coins of the em-
perors with the same type.
* It is very probable that this extension of the right hand
denotes that the emperor is addressing the populace or the
troops. Extending or stretching out the hand is used by Dio
Chrvsostom in the sense of addressing : — thus, " whether you
stretch out your hand in the senate or among the people."
Ovid makes Ajax use this gesture : —
" Intendensque manus, Agimus, proh Jupiter ! inquit.
Ante rates caussam." Metam. xiii. 5.
So also Saint Paul (Acts xxvi. 1), stretching out his hand
((.Krsh'ac ti))' xtliiu), commences his defence before Agrippa.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 121
6. CONCORDIA AVG. Two liaiicls joinccl. (Haym.) ar.
7. CONCORDIA MiLiTVM. Two woiiien standing. (Mionnet.)
Au. and AR.
8. Same legend. Two hands joined. In the exergue,
RSR. (or c.)* AR.
9. CONCORD. MiLiT. A woiiian holding two standards. In
the exergue, rsr. (or rs.) ar.
Although these types and legends are common
on corns of the Roman emperors, they are quite
appropriate on the money of Carausius.
10. coNSERVATORi AVGGG. {ConservatoH Augustovum.) Her-
cules standing, with club and lion's skin (or bow). In
the exergue, ml. - au.
This coin, preserved in the Hunter collection,
is of extreme rarity. Mionnet describes one
with the addition of a quiver in the field. Her-
cules was, as is well known, the favourite deity
of the emperor Maximianus, who assumed the
surname of Hercules.
11. coNSERVAT. AVG. Jupitcr standing, holding the luista
and thunderbolt : at his feet an eagle. In the exergue,
ML. (Moneta Londinensis.) au.
This coin is in very fine preservation ; and was
* The c. in the exergue, in all probability, stands for Clau-
sentum (Southampton). The meaning of rsr. is not so
obvious, but it is very likely that the letters rs. stand for
Rutupice (Richborough) Signata. Coins of Carausius are fre-
quentlv found in the neighbourhood of Richborough.
1?
122 COINS OF THE ROMANS
purcluiSL'd for the British Museum for £120.
The workmanship is totally different to that of
the silver and brass coins of Carausius ; the relief
is very bold, and the style of the portrait seems
to have been closely copied from those of Dio-
cletianus and Maximianus.
12. CONS. AVG. A woman standing, holding an anchor and
the hasta. In the exergae, rsr. ar.
13. EXPECTATE VENi. {Come, O expected one .') The em-
peror joining hands with a woman, who holds a
trident. In the exergue, rsr. au. and ar.
A silver coin of this type is in the collection
of the late Mr. Thomas. Both type and legend
are singular and interesting, and seem to
imply that Carausius had sounded the Britons
before he ran off with the fleet from Boulogne.
Genebrier, describing, probably, from an ill-
preserved coin, takes the female figure for Fe-
licity, and supposes the trident to be the long
caduceus with which she is generally represented ;
but that it is a trident which she holds is quite
evident, and that the figure is the genius of
Britain will be acknowledged even by the un-
imaginative. Eckhel* observes on the remark-
able legend of these coins, that it is the form
used by ^neas to the spirit of Hector : —
* Doct. Num.Vet. vol. viii. p. 45.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 123
-" Quibus Hector ab oris
Expectate venis ? *
Some are without letters in the exergue.
14. EXPECTATAE VENvs (^stc). in this Specimen, the object
held by the female figure is a hasta with a triangular
termination. ar.
There are several barbarous imitations of No.
13, of which this is an example.
15. FELiciTAS (or felicita). a galley, with rowers. In the
exergue, rsr. (or psa.) ar.
16. FELICITAS. Fom* children, representing the four seasons.
ar.
17. FELICITA AVG. A galley, with four rowers. In the ex-
ergue, rsr. ar.
18. FiDEM MiLiTVM NN. A woman standing, holding a pair
of scales and a cornucopia. ar.
19. FIDES MiLiT. A woman holding two standards. In the
exergue, rsr. (Late in the collection of the Rev. F.
Blick.) ar.
20. FORTVNA AVG. Fortune, with her attributes, standing.
In the exergue, rsr, ar.
21. ixPECTATE vENi. (sfc.) The emperor holding a spear,
and delivering a standard to a woman. (British
Museum.) ar.
22. LAETiTiA AVG. A galley, with rowers. In the exergue,
RSR. AR.
23. LEG. nil. FL. A lion walking, holding ears of corn in
his mouth. In the exergue, mrs. (Mionnet.) au.
24. LEG. nil. F . . . . A centaur walking to the left, bearing
* yEn. lib.ii. ver.282.
124 COINS OF THE ROMANS
a long club (or pedum"), which he holds with both
hands, and rests on his shoulders. In the exergue, c.
AR.
This coin is in the collection of j\Ir. Brumell.
The fourth legion, it would appear from the
type, took, for their cognizance, that monster
of heathen fable which the Greek epigrammatist
describes as —
" A horse without head — a man without feet !"
But I must here correct my error in the first
edition of this work ; namely, in supposing that
the fourth legion accompanied Carausius into
Britain. There is nothing to prove this; and
although it materially lessens the interest of
these coins, I am compelled to assert that they
are copied from the very abundant third brass of
Gallienus. A reference to Banduri's elaborate
list* will justify these remarks. Only four
legions were in Britain at this time, namely the
2nd, 6th, 9th, and 20th, three of which only
appear on coins of this usurper. f
25. LEG. V. . . . AVG. A bull standing. (Stukely.) ar.
26. LEG VII A similar type. (Ibid.) ar.
27. LKG. VIII, . . . IN. A ram, standing. In the exergue,
ML. (Ibid.) ar.
* Tom i. pp. 164 to 170 inclusive.
t The reader is referred to a verv interesting work by Mr.
Wellbeloved, entitled "Eboracum; or York under the Romans,"
for many particulars relating to the legions in Britain.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 125
28. LEG. VIII. iNV. A similar type, with or without ml. in
the exergue. (Ibid.) ar.
29. LIB. SFPC. (sic). The emperor, on horseback. In the
exergue, rsr. (British Museum.) ar.
30. MONETA AVG. Moneta standing. (Ibid.) ar.
31. ORiENS AVG. The sun standing; his right hand raised,
his left holding a globe. In the exergue, rsr. ar.
This type applies to no act of Carausius, and
must be regarded as a copy from a reverse of a
coin of some Roman emperor who obtained fame
in the eastern countries of the empire.
32. ORTVNA (for fortvna) AVG. A female bust to the right
within a garland, holding a garland and a branch, ar.
33. PAX AVG. Peace standing, with olive-branch and cornu-
copia. ML. in the exergue. On some, l. in the
field. ar.
34. PRiNcipi ivvENT. The emperor standing, holding a
spear. ar.
This type applies to some Caesar or heir ap-
parent of the empire, and can have no reference
to Carausius.
35. RENOVAT ROMA. A similar type to No. 31. In the
exergue, rsr. ar.
36. RENOVA . . . ROMANO. Romulus and Remus suckled by
the wolf. In the exergue, rsr. (In the Hunter col-
lection.) AR.
37. ROMO. RENOv. A similar type. rsr. ar.
38. ROMO. RENOV. (or RENOVA.) A similar type. In the
exergue, rsr. ar.
39. ROMANO RENOVA. A similar type. The obverse has
the helmeted bust of Carausius : legend, virtvs
cARAvsi. Au. and ar.
12G COINS OF THE ROJIANS
The legend of this coin is a novelty in the
Roman series. Eckhel says of it, " Legenda
epigraphe Romanorum Renovatio, niinirum cum
partem imperii R. sibi ab invitis Carausius ex-
torqueret, honesto, ut lit, vocabulo rapinam
excusans."*
40. ROMAE AETERNAE. Victorv Standing, presenting a gar-
land to Rome, seated. In the exergue, cxxi;. ar.
41. ROMAE AETERNAE. Rome Seated, within a temple. In
the exergue, rsr. ar.
42. salvs avg. Salus, feeding a serpent, rising from an
altar. ar.
43. Same legend. Salus, feeding a serpent entwined around
an altar, and holding the hasta in her right hand. ar.
44. vbersta av. (sic). A woman milking a cow. The ob-
verse of this coin presents the bust of Carausius to the
left, the head laureated, and the right hand holding a
sceptre surmounted by an eagle. In the exergue, sr.
AR.
This coin was found in the Thames a few
years since. f
45. VBERTAS AVG. Neptunc standing on the prow of a
vessel, joining hands with the emperor, who holds a
spear. In the exergue, rsr. (Stukeley.) ar.
46. VBERTAS (or vberta) avg. a figure, milking a cow.
In the exergue of some, rsr. ar.
47. vlto pax avg. (sic). The emperor, in a military habit,
joining hands with a woman, who holds a patera ; be-
tween them an altar. ar.
* Doct. Num. Vet. torn. viii. p. 48.
t Gentleman's Magazine, 1837, vol.vii. p. 267.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 127
48. VICTORIA .... A. Victory marching, with a garland.
AR.
49. viRTVs iM. . . AVG. (slc). A mihtary figure standing,
holding a globe and a javelin. In the exergue, l. ar.
50. voTo pvBLico. A garland, within which is inscribed,
MVLTis XX. IMP. In the exergue of some, rsr- ar.
51. Same legend. An altar, inscribed mvltis xx. imp.
(British Museum.) ar.
52. voTVM pvBLic. A similar type. In the exergue, rsr.
(In the Hunter collection.) ar.
53. VOTVM pvBLicvM. A similar type, without the letters in
the exergue. ar.
THIRD BRASS.
1 . ABVNDANTi AVG. A woman emptying a cornucopia.
2. ADivTRix AVG. Half-length bust of Victory, holding a
garland and a palm-branch.
3. Same legend. Victory standing, with garland and palm-
branch.
Coins of Victorinus occur in third brass with
the same legend.
4. ADVENTvs AVG. Felicity standing, with a long caduceus
and a cornucopia.
A novel type mth this legend.
5. ADVEXTvs CARAvsi. The emperor on horseback; his
right hand raised, holding a globe. In the exergue
of some, Rsp. (or ml.)
6. AEQviTAS AVG. Equity, with her attributes. (In the
Hunter collection.)
128 COINS or THE ROMANS
7 AVG. The emperor and a woman joining hands.
8. APOLLiNi CO. AVG. A griffiu. Ill the exergue, msc.
(or MS.)
9. APOLLINI CONS. A griffin. In the exergue, mc.
10. APOLLINI CONS. AVG. A griffin.
These legends and types mil be found on the
abundant third brass of Gallienus.
11. coHH. . . Four standards. In the exergue, ml.
12. coHR. PRAET. Four Standards. (In the Hunter col-
lection.)
13. COMES AVG. Victory marching, with garland and palm-
branch. In the exergue, c. (or l. or ml.)
The same type and legend occur on coins of
Victorinus.
14. Same legend. A similar type, with ml. in the exergue.
The obverse has the helmeted head of Carausius, with
javehn and buckler : legend, caravsivs avg.
The coins of Carausius mth these armed busts
appear to be modelled on those of the emperor
Probus, on whose money the imperial effigies are
often thus represented.
15. Same legend. Minerva standing, holding tlie hasta and
an olive-branch.
16. Same legend. Neptune standing: his right foot on a
galley in the sea, his left on a dolphin : a dolphin in
his right hand, and a trident reversed in his left. On
some, s. P. in the field.
17. comes AVGGG. Mincrva standing. In the field, s. p.
In the exergue, mlxxi. (Tanini.)
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 129
18. Same legend. Victory marching, with garhind and
palm-branch. In the field, s. p. In the exergue of
some, c.
19. CONCORD. A.VGG. A vvoman holding two standards.
20. CONCORDIA AVGG. A woman standing, holding the
hasta and a cornucopia.
21. CONCORDIA MIL. Two right hands joined. In the ex-
ergue, RS.
22. CONCORD. MiLiT. A similar type. In the exergue, rsr.
23. CONCORD. MiLiTVM. A similar type. In the exergue, c.
24. CONCORDIA MiLiTi. (or MILIT.) The emperor, in the
toga, joining hands with a woman. In the exergue, c.
25. CONCORD. MILITVM. A similar type. In the exergue, c.
26. CONCORDIA MILITVM N. N. A similar type ; with o. in
the field, and xxx. in the exergue.
27. CONCORDIA MILITVM P. c. A similar type. In the ex-
ergue, X.
28. CONSERVAT. AVG. Neptune seated ; in his right hand, an
anchor ; in his left, a trident reversed.
29. Same legend. A naked figure standing, in his right
hand, an unknown object ; in his left, the hasta pura.
In the field, s. c.
30. CONSERVATOR. A woman seated, her elbow resting on a
cippus.
31. CONSTANT. AVG. A naked male figure standing; in his
right hand, the hasta. In the field, s. c. In the ex-
ergue, sc.
32. CONSTANT, (or coNSTAVNT.) (sic) AVG. Hercules stand-
ing. In the field, s. In the exergue, c. (Mionnet.)
33. COS. iiii. A woman standing, holding a globe. (Stukeley.)
34. DIANA. Diana seated.
35. DiANAE CONS, (or DiNAE ) (sic) AVG. A Stag. In the
exergue, xx.
36. EXPECTA Victory placing a garland upon the
emperor's head.
S
l;^() COINS OF THE ROMANS
37. EXi'ECTATR VENi. Two figuiTS Standing, joining hands.
In the exergue, rsa.
38. FELiciTAS AVG. A woman standing, holding an ensign
and a cornucopia.
39. Same legend. A galley on the sea, with rowers. In
the exergue of some, cxxi.
40. FELiciT. pvpLi. (sic). Fehcity holding a caduceus, leaning
on a column. In the exergue, c.
41. FELICITAS. Four children, representing the four Seasons.
42. FIDES MiLiTVM. A woman holding two standards.
43. FIDES MiLiT. A similar type. In the exergue, c.
44. FiDEM MILITVM. A similar type. (Cabinet of the late
F. Douce, Esq.)
The last three types occur perpetually in the
Roman series, but they are very appropriate on
the coins of one who owed so much to his mili-
tary partizans.
45. FORTVNA AVG. Fortune standing ; in her right hand, the
hasta ; in her left, a cornucopia.
46. Same legend. Fortune standing, with rudder and cor-
nucopia. In the exergue of some, c.
47. Same legend. Fortune seated, holding a rudder and a
cornucopia.
48. Same legend. Fortune seated upon a wheel, holding the
hasta. (Cabinet of the late F. Douce, Esq.)
49. FORT. REDVx. (or RAEDvx.) (sic). FortuDC seated on a
wheel, with rudder and cornucopia.
50. Same legend. Fortune seated, with rudder and cornu-
copia.
51. GENio AVG. A woman standing, holding a globe and a
cornucopia.
52. GENivs EXERCiT. Geuius standing to the left ; in his
right hand a patera, on his left arm a cornucopia : in
the field, sr. ; in the exergue, c.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 131
This unique brass coin was in the possession
of the late Mr. R. F. Ne^vman, City Solicitor, a
relative of whom shewed it to Mr. C. R. Smith,
who made the drawing of which an engraving
is given in this work. It shews that the usurper
was anxious to testify his gratitude to the army
which had enabled. him to attain the sovereignty
of Britain.
53. GERMANicvs MAxv. A trophv, and two captives. In
the exergue, l. (Mionnet.)
This legend and type occur both on the coins
of Gallienus and of Postumus.
54. HERCVLi iNviCT. Herculcs standing, with his club.
55. HERCVLI PAciFERO. Hcrcules Standing, holding an ohve-
branch and club.*
56. HiLARiTAS AVG. A womau standing, holding a branch
and a cornucopia. In the exergue, ml. (In the
Hunter collection.)
57. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a garland
and a cornucopia.
58. HILARITAS AVGGG. A woman standing, holding a branch
and a cornucopia.
59. lAPR. . . . VICTOR (sic). A woman standing, holding an
olive-bi*anch and the hasta.
GO. INVICTVS. The sun marching. (Mionnet.)
6 1 . INVICTVS AVG. A similar type.
62. I. o. X. The emperor, in a military habit, on horseback ;
his right hand holding a spear, his left hand raised
aloft.
The three letters on this coin have been sup-
* Numismatic Journal, vol. i. p. 264.
132 COINS OF THE ROMANS
posed to indicate the acclamations of the multi-
tude, and to signify lo Decies. Eckhel, after
remarking on it, adds, " Quisque pro se aenigma
explicit ! "
63. lovi AVG. Jupiter standing, holding the hasta and
thunderbolt. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, ml.
64. lovi coNSER. . • A similar type. In the field, s. p.
65. lovi CONSER. AVG. A similar type.
G6. lovi CONS. Jupiter and Carausius standing; the first
delivering a globe to the emperor. (See Stukeley, who
supposes the figure of Jupiter to be Venus wilJi the
aj}ple !)
67. lovi STATORi. Jupiter standing, with hasta and thunder-
bolt.
68. LAETiT. AVG. A womau standing ; in her right hand, a
garland ; in her left, ears of corn. In the field, s. p.
In the exergue, c,
69. LAETiTiA AVG. A similar type. In the field, s. c.
(Some are without the s. c.)
70. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a garland
and the hasta. In the field, f. o. In the exergue, mc.
71. Same legend. A similar type. In the exergue, mc.
72. Same legend. A similar type, without letters in the
field, or in the exergue.
73. Same legend. A galley, with rowers. In the exergue,
MC.
74. LAETITIA AVGGG. A woman standing, holding a garland
and ears of corn. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c,
75. Same legend. A woman standing, holding an anchor ;
her hand resting on an anchor.
76. LAETITIA FVND. A woman standing, holding the hasta
and a garland. In the exergue, xxi.
77. LEG. iixx. puiMiG. Capricorn to the right. In the ex-
ergue, ML.
RELxVTING TO BllITAIN. 133
This unique coin, found at Strood in Kent,
was communicated to the Numismatic Society*
by Mr. C. Roach Smith, who, in assigning it
to the twenty-second rather than the eighteenth
legion, (there is authority for the numerals re-
presenting either,) remarks: — "The twenty-
second legion, surnamed Primagenia, and bear-
ing, in common with at least six other legions,
the badge of the Capricorn, appears to have
been composed of allied troops, and was quar-
tered in Gaul and Belgium. Six towns or places
are named as stations in which were divisions of
this legion. In several inscriptions given by
Gruter and Ur sinus, the title of Primagenia is
affixed to this legion ; but upon coins I can only
find it expressed in one instance, and that is on
a denarius of Severus. In the list of legionary
coins struck by Gallienus, it does not occur,
though such as have leg. xxii. merely, are not
uncommon."
78. LEG. II. AVG. Capricorn, In the exergue, ml.
79. LEG. II. PARTH. A centaur, holding a globe and a rudder.
In the exergue, m. or ml.
80. Same legend. A centaur walking to the right, holding
with both hands a long club or pedum, which he rests
on his shoulders. (Cabinet of J. Brumell, Esq.)
81. Same legend. A centaur standing. In the exergue, mi.
* Num. Chron. vol. ii. p. 114.
134 COINS OF THE ROMANS
82. Same legend. A centaur walking to the right, holding
a club and a garland.
83. LEG. II. PAR. A centaur walking, holding a globe and a
club. In the exergue, ml.
84. LEG. nil. FLAviA P. F. Two lions meeting; above, a
human head, with the ancient diadem. (Stukeley.)
85. LEG. nil. FL. A lion walking. In the exergue of some,
MC.
86. LEG. VII. CL. A bull. In the exergue of some, ml.
87. LEG. VII. CLA. A bull : above, d. x. In the exergue of
some, M.
88. LEG. VIII. A ram. In the exei'gue, ml.
89. LEG. VIII. AVG. A bull. In the exergue of some, ml.
90. LEG. . . IN. . A ram. In the exergue, ml.
91. LEG. XXI. VLPiA. Neptune standing, holding the hasta
and a dolphin. (Stukeley.)
92. LEG. XXV. V. A boar standing.
93. LEG. ... VLPIA. A male figure standing; in his right
hand, an unknown object ; in his left, the hasta. (In
the Hunter collection.)*
94. L VLPIA. VI. (sic). Neptune standing ; in his right
hand, a dolphin ; in his left, a trident. (British Mu-
seum.)
95 LiTiT. Av. (sic). A woman, holding the hasta,
standing before an altar. (Ibid.)
96. mar. pac. ... A woman, holding a caduceus and a cor-
nucopia. (Stukeley.)
97. MARTI PACiF. Mars marching, with a laurel-branch and
a javelin.
98. MARTI PACiFER. Mars marching, with shield and olive-
branch.
99. MARTI PACiFERO. Mars marching, with a laurel-branch
and ears of corn. In the field, s. c. In the exergue, c.
* See the remarks on the silver coins of Carausius with
these legends.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 135
100. MARS VICTOR. Mars marching, witli a trophy. In the
field of some, s. c.
101. MARS VICTOR. Mars standing, holding the hasta pura,
and a buckler. (In the Hunter collection.)
102. MARS VLTOR. Mars marching, holding a javelin and a
buckler.
103. MARS Mars standing ; his right hand holding a
spear ; his left holding a horse by the bridle. (Cabinet
of the late F. Douce, Esq.)
104 MiLiTVM. Two women standing, joining hands.
(British Museum.)
105. MONETA AVG. Moneta standing, with her attributes.
In the exergue, mc. or msp
106. monet(a) avggg. Moneta standing, with her attributes.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
This rare coin is in the British Museum : it is
remarkable on account of the title of Invictus on
the obverse. The title of Moneta was given to
Juno, from monere^ to admonish; the sacred
geese, kept in the temple of that goddess, having
alarmed the Romans when the Gauls attempted
to surprise the capitol by night. A temple was
subsequently erected, in which the silver of the
commonwealth was deposited ; and this place was
eventually used as the public mint.
Captain Smyth, in his excellent work on Roman
coins, quaintly remarks, that " gold has been
worshipped through all ages without hypocrisy."
The respect which Carausius seems here to record
for Moneta^ must have been equally sincere ; since
it, doubtless, was to his wealth that he owed the
136 COINS OF THE ROMANS
success of his rebellion. The three g's on this
coin, of course, denote the triple sovereignty.
The c. in the exergue denotes, in all probability,
Clausentum (Bittern, near Southampton), in
Avhich neighbourhood, coins of Carausius with
this mint-mark are frequently discovered.
107. Same legend. Moneta standing. In the field, s. c.
108. Same legend. Moneta standing. In the exergue, rsr.
109. Same legend. Moneta standing. In the field, s. c.
In the exergue, c.
110. MONETA AVGG. Moncta Standing.
111. Same legend. Moneta standing. In the field, s. p.
In the exergue, c.
112. MONETA AVGGG. Moneta standing. In the field, b. p.
In the exergue, c. (British Museum.)
113. ORIENS AVG. The sun standing, his right hand raised,
his left holding a globe. In the field, s. p.
114. Same legend. A similar type, without letters in the
field or exergue.
115. Same legend. The sun marching, his right hand raised,
his left holding a globe. In the field, a star.
116. Same legend. The sun marching, his right hand ele-
vated, his left holding a whip.
117. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s. f. In
the exergue, mlx.
118. ORiENs AVG. A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, c.
119. Same legend. A similar type, without letters in the
field. In the exergue, c.
\'20. Same legend. Tlie sun standing ; his right hand raised ;
his left holding a globe ; at his feet, a captive.
121. Same legend. The sun standing between two captives :
a globe in his left hand. (Stukeley.)
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 137
122. OKIES . . (sic). The sun standing, with right hand ex-
tended, and holding in the left a glohe. In the exer-
gue, KSR.
This coin was found at Strood in Kent.* See
the remarks on a similar type in silver.
123. PACATOR ORBis. Radiated head of the sun. (In the
Hunter collection.)
124. PACATO .... The same type.
125. PAX AETERN. AVG. Peacc Standing, holding an olive-
branch and the hasta.
126. PAX AVG. Peace standing, holding an olive-branch and
the hasta. In the exergue, ml. On others, s. p. in
the field, and c. in the exergue.
127. Same legend. A similar tvpe, with fo. ml. or l ml.
or EC. ML. or L. VII. or sp. c. or various other letters.
128. Same legend. A similar type, with b.e. in the field, and
MLXxi. in the exergue. The obverse has the radiated
head of Carausius, with coat of mail, javelin, and
buckler.
129. Same legend. A similar type, with ml. in the exergue.
The obverse has the helmeted bust of Carausius, with
coat of mail, holding a javelin, resting on his shoulder,
and a buckler : legend, caravsiv.s avg.
130. Same legend. A similar type, without letters in the
field. In the exergue, cxxi. The obverse has the
radiated heads of Carausius and the sun, side by side :
legend, imp. caravsivs p. f. avg. (In the Hunter
collection.)
131. pax avg. a similar type, with ... in the field, and
CXXI. in the exergue. The obverse has the helmeted
bust of Carausius, with radiated crown, javelin, and a
buckler: legend, virtvs caravsi.
* Num. Chron. vol. ii. p. 121,
T
138 COINS OF THE ROMANS
132. Same legend. Peace standing, holding a branch and a
cornucopia. In the exergue, ml. or xxxx.
133. PAX AVGG. Peace standing, holding a flower, or a
branch, and the hasta erect.
134. PAX AVGGG. A similar type. In tlie field, s. p. In the
exergue, c. On some, s. p. in the field, and mlxxi.
or c. in the exergue. The obverses of some have the
bust with paludamentum ; on others, a coat of mail.
It is generally believed, that the coins of
Caraiisius, with this legend, were struck in com-
memoration of the treaty between the usurper
and the emperors Diocletianus and Maximianus.*
135. PAX AVGVSTA. Pcacc walking, holding a flower and the
hasta. In the exergue, cxxi. The obverse has the
heads of Carausius and the sun, side by side; legend,
IMP. CARAvsivs P. F. AVG. (In the Hunter collection.)
136. Same legend. Bust of Peace. (Cabinet of the late
F. Douce, Esq.)t
137. PAX GALLi ivG. {sic). Pcacc standing, holding the hasta.
138. piAETAS AVG. {sic). A woman standing; a child at her
feet. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, ml.
139. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a branch (or
garland) and a cornucopia.
140. PiETAS AVGGG. Mcrcury, with attributes, standing. In
the field, l. p. In the exergue, mc.
Unique : in the cabinet of Mr. C. R. Smith.
It was found in the bed of the Thames.
141. PIETAS AVG. A veiled woman standing before an altar.
(In the Hunter collection).
* See the remarks at page 115.
t This collection was bequeathed by Mr. Douce to the Bod-
leian Liltrary.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 139
142. Sunie legend. A woman standing before an altar,
holding a cornucopia.
143. Same legend. A woman standing before an altar,
holding the hasta.
144. pip;tvs (sic) avg. A woman sacrificing on an altar.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue,
145. PRiNCiPi ivvENTVT. A military figure standing, bare-
headed, holding a standard and a spear.
14C. PRoviD. AVG. A woman standing, holding a globe and
the hasta transversely. In the field, s. p. In the
exergue, c.
147. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a globe and
the hasta. In the field, s. c.
148. Same legend. A woman standing, holding the hasta
and a cornucopia. In the field, s. c. In the ex-
ergue, c.
149. Same legend. A woman standing, touching a globe on
the ground ; on her left arm, a cornucopia. In the
field, s. p.
150. PKOviD. AVGGG. A woman standing, holding a globe
and a cornucopia. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
151. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a globe
and the hasta transversely. In the field, s. p.
152. Same legend. A woman standing, touching with a wand
a globe on the ground ; on her left arm, a cornucopia.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue of some, c.
153. PROVIDE. AVG. A woman standing, holding a globe and
a cornucopia. In the field, s. p. or s. c.
154. PRoviDEN. AVG. A woman standing, touching a globe
with a wand ; on her left arm, a cornucopia. In the
exergue, c.
155. PROVIDENT. AVG. A woman standing, holding a globe
and the hasta transversely. In the field, b. In the
exergue, mlxxi.
156. PROviDENTiA AVG. A womau standing, holding a gar-
land (or a branch) and a wand.
140 COINS OF THE ROMANS
157. Same legend. A woman standing, holding in each hand
a military ensign.
158. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a wand and
a cornucopia.
159. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a branch and
a cornucopia.
160. Same legend. A woman standing, holding a globe and a
cornucopia. In the field, s. p.
161. RExovAT. ROMA. Romulus and Remus suckled by the
wolf. In the exergue, c. or rsr.
162 RESTiTVT. SAECVL. The emperor standing, holding a
globe and the hasta pura. Victory standing behind.
163. RESTITVT. sAECVLi. The emperor, in a military habit,
standing, holding a spear : Victory behind, placing a
garland on his head. In the exergue, c
164. ROMAE AETER. A tcmplc Avith six columns; within, a
figure seated, full-faced. In the exergue, spc.
165. Same legend. A figure standing; Rome seated on
spoils, cxxi.
166. ROMANORVM RENOv. Romulus and Remus suckled by
the wolf.
167. SAECVLARES AVG. A liou Walking. In the exergue, mc.
(In the Hunter collection.)
168. SAECVLARES AVGG. A lion Standing. (Stukeley.)
These types were, doubtless, imitated from
those of the denarii of Philip and his son.
169. SAECVLI FELiciTAs. The emperor marching, bearing a
javelin and a globe.
170. Same legend. The emperor standing, holding a javelin
and a globe.
171. Same legend. Felicity standing, with a caduceus and
cornucopia.
172. SAECVLI FELiciT. A naked figure standing, holding a
javelin and a globe. In the field, s. c. In the ex-
ergue, c.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 141
173. SALvs AVG. Salus standing, holding the hasta, and
feeding a serpent rising from an altar. In the field, s.c.
174. Same legend. A similar type, with b. e. in the field,
and MLxxi. in the exergue.
175. Same legend. A similar type, without letters in the
field or in exergue.
176. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s. f. In
the exergue, mlxxi.
177. Same legend. Salus standing, holding a serpent feeding
from a patera, which she holds in her left hand. In
the field, s. p. In the exergue, mlxxi. or jvtlxx.
178. Same legend. Salus, seated before an altar, feeding a
serpent.
179. SALVS AVGGG. Salus feeding a serpent out of a patera.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c. (Cabinet of
J. Brumell, Esq.)
180. SALVS PVBLiCA. Salus standing, feeding a serpent out
of a patera. In the field, b. e. In the exergue, mlx.
The obverse has the radiated bust of Carausius, with
coat of mail, a spear, and a round shield, ornamented
with three equestrian figures : legend, imp. caravsivs
p. F. AVG. (Cabinet of the late F. Douce, Esq.)
181. SECVRiT Security leaning on a column.
182. SECVRiTAS ORBis. Sccurity seated.
183. SOLI INVICTO. The sun in a quadriga, his right hand
elevated. In the exergue, vc. The obverse has the
radiated bust of Carausius, with javelin and buckler :
legend, imp. caravsivs avg.
184. SPES PVBL {sic). Hope. In the field, s. p.
18.5, SPES PVBL Hope. In the field, s. p. In the
exergue, c.
186. SPES PVBLICA. Hope. In the field, s c.
187. Same legend. Hope. In the exergue, m.
188. TEMP. FELiciTAs. The four seasons.
The TEMP, is })laced on the upper part of the
142 COINS OF THE liOMANS
reverse, the word felicitas in the exergue. A
coin of this type is figured in Stukeley, but with
the omission of the former part of the inscription.
It forms part of the collection made by Mr.
C. R. Smith from the bed of the Thames.*
189. TEMPO FELic. Felicitv Standing, holding; a loiig catluccus
and a cornucopia.
190. TEMPORVM FEL. A similar type. In the field, s. c.
191. TEMPORVM FELL A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, c.
192. TEMPORVM FELICITAS. A woman standing, holding a
garland and a cornucopia.
193. TVTELA AVG. A woman standing, holding a patera over
an altar ; on her left arm, a double cornucopia. (In
the Hunter collection.)
194. Same legend. A similar type; but the woman holds a
single cornucopia.
195. TVTELA V A woman standing, holding a
flower and a cornucopia.
196. VBERITAS AVG. The emperor, in a military habit, joining
hands with Neptune, who stands on the prow of a
vessel. (Stukeley.)
197. Same legend. The emperor and a woman, joining hands,
each holding the hasta pura. In the exergue, rsr.
The obverse has the laureated bust of Carausius, with
the trabea, holding a sceptre surmounted by an eagle :
legend, imp. caravsivs p. f. a.
198. VBERTAS AVG. Ncptunc Standing on the prow of a
vessel, joining hands with the emperor in a military
habit.
199. Same legend. A woman milking a cow. In the exer-
gue, RSR.
* Num. Chron. vol. iv. p. 147 et seq.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 143
200. . iCTOKiA. Victory standing, holding the hasta and a
wreath .
In the collection of Mr. C. R. Smith.
201. VICTORIA AVG. \"ictory, with wreath and palm-branch,
standing on a globe between two sedent captives.
This coin was found in the bed of the Thames,
near London Bridge, and is now in the collection
of Mr. C. R. Smith.
202. VICTORIA AVG. Victory walking, holding a garland and
a palm-branch. In the exergue, cxxi.
203. VICTORIA AVG. A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, ml.
204. Same legend. Victory marching, holding a garland and
a palm-branch ; at her feet, a captive. In the field, c.
205. Same legend. A similar type In the field
In the exergue, mc.
206. Same legend. A similar type, without letters in the
field. In the exergue, mc.
207. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, e. In the
exergue, mlxxi.
208. victoria avgg. Victory marching, holding a garland
and palm-branch. In the field, +.
209. Same legend. A woman standing, holding the hasta,
and sacrificing on an altar. (Stukeley.)
210. Same legend. Victory marching, holding a garland and
a palm-branch. In the field, +.
211. victoria A trophy between two captives.
212. victoria Victory standing, holding the hasta
and a palm-branch. In the exergue, ml.
213. viTORiA (sic) AVG. A woman standing, holding a flower
and the hasta.
214. VICTORIA GKR. A trophv between two captives.
144 COINS OF THE ROMANS
'215. VICTORIA PR. (The legend from right to left.) A
woman standing, holding the hasta and a palm-hranch.
In the exergue, ml.
216. viRTVs Av. A woman standing, holding a flower and
the hasta.
Ill the collection of Mr. C. R. Smith.
217. VIRTVS AVG. A mihtary figure standing, with shield and
spear. In the field, s. c. In the exergue, c.
Some are mthout letters in the field and
the exergue.
218. VIRTVS AVG. Mars naked marching, with javelin and
buckler. In the field, s. c.
219. Same legend. Mars marching, with spear and trophy.
In the field of some, s. c.
220. Same legend. A militarv figure marching, with spear
and shield.
221. Same legend. Victory marching, with garland and
palm-branch. (Stukeley.)
222. Same legend. Victory standing, with garland or palm-
branch.
223. VIRTVS AV. A woman standing, holding a globe and a
cornucopia.
224. VIRTVS AVGG. A military figure standing, with spear
and shield.
225. Same legend. A military figure standing, holding an
inverted javelin and a buckler. In the exergue, c.
The obverse has the radiated bust of Carausius, with
the paludamentum : legend, imp. c. m. avr. caravsivs
p. AVG.
The coin which bears this uncommon legend
on the obverse, was originally in the cabinet of
the late F. Douce, Esq.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 145
226. viRTVTE AVG. Hercules strangling the Nemaean lion ; a
club on the ground. In the field, s. p. In the exer-
gue, c.
227. viRTVTi AVG. Hercules standing; a club in his right
hand, a bow in his left.
228. Same legend. A galley, with rowers. (Mionnet.)
229. viRTVs iNV. AVG. A military figure standing, holding a
javelin and a globe. In the exergue, l.
230. viRTV. AVG. Hercules, arrayed in the lion's skin, joining
hands over an altar, with a female figure. In the
exergue, xx.
This unique coin, the property of Lord Albert
Conyngham, was found near Newbury. It was
stolen in its transit through the Post Office.
231. viTAVi. A woman standing, holding in each hand a
serpent. (Cabinet of the late F. Douce, Esq.) See the
remarks in the note at p. 113.
232. VOTVM pvBLic. An altar, with the fire kindled, inscribed
XX. IMP. In the exergue, rsr.
233 x. . . VG. A woman standing, holding in her
right hand a garland : in her left, a head with a mural
crown. (Stukeley.)
CARAUSIUS, DIOCLETIANUS, AND MAXIMIANUS.
Obverse, caravsivs et fratres svi. The heads of Carausius,
Diocletianus, and Maximianus, side by side ; the
first radiated, the second bare, and that of Max-
imianus with the lion's skin.
Reverse, pax avggg. Peace standing to the right, holding
an olive-branch and the hasta pura. In the field,
s. p. In the exergue, g. (Eckhel, Doct. Num.
Vet. vol.viii. p. 47.)
A coin of this interesting and rare type, is
u
146 COINS OF THE ROMANS
stated by Stukeley to have belonged to Mr.
Wale, of Colne in Lancashire, in whose custody
it appears to have remained for some time un-
noticed, in a mass of Roman coins found at Ches-
terford, until detected by the experienced^eye of
Mr. Charles Gray, F.R.S., F.S.A. Stukeley
describes it, " of excellent workmanship, and
perfect preservation, the faces of the three em-
perors distinct, and easily known ; Diocletian in
the middle, Carausius on his right, Maximian
uppermost, exactly according to the rule of
manners."*
ALLECTUS.
[a.d. 293 TO A.u. 296.]
Allectus succeeded to a tottering throne, and
his days were numbered. The shores of the Con-
tinent were covered with troops, and Constantius
had arranged them in such a manner that Al-
lectus was left in doubt as to the place of his
meditated landing. The usurper beheld the vast
preparations with alarm and terror ; but resolved
to maintain, by force of arms, the power he had
acquired by the basest treachery. The principal
squadron, destined to make a descent upon the
* Medallic Hist, of Carausins, vol. i. p. 106. Ijondon, 1757.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 147
island, rendezvoused in the mouth of the Seine ;
and, under the command of the prtefect Ascle-
piodotus, set sail for Britain on a stormy day,
and with a side wind, an adventure which the
panegyrists of the time lauded as something new
in the annals of Roman warfare.* Fortune
smiled upon the expedition, which, under cover
of a dense fog, eluded the fleet of Allectus
stationed off the Isle of Wight, and landed on
the western coast. The pra3fect immediately
burnt his galleys; and, as the adventure was
crowned by success, he obtained great praise for
this bold act.
Allectus had taken his station near London,
in anticipation of the attack of Constantius
who conmianded the fleet at Boulogne, when
the news reached him of the landing of As-
clepiodotus. The usurper, ^\dth rash impetu-
osity, hastened to meet the enemy. His troops,
wearied by forced marches, encountered those of
Asclepiodotus with every possible disadvantage.
The result was fatal to Allectus; his army was
defeated with great slaughter, and he himself
perished in the conflict.
The coins of Allectus are of gold and silver;
* " Ventura, quia directus non erat, captaret obliquum.
Quis enim se, quamlibet iniquo mari, non auderet credere, te na-
vigante ?" — Eumenius Paueg-. in Constantino Ctes. cap. xiv.
148 COINS OF THE ROMANS
iiiid brass, of the small size. They bear a well-
executed bust with a marked character, which
may be considered an accurate portrait of the
usurper. The reverses are, for the chief part,
similar to those on the coins of Carausius.* The
most common is that with a galley filled with
rowers, and the legends laetitia avg., and
viETVS AVG., the latter legend being most fre-
quent. A ship was the favourite type for a
state among the Romans : Horace uses it in his
ode " Ad Rempvhlicam /' and the fathers of the
Christian church appear to have regarded it as
a proper emblem, since it is found on many
monuments in the catacombs at Eonie. The
LAETITIA is an empty compliment to the self-
* Vaillant (Num. Imp. Rom. torn. iii. p. 67) says of the
reverses of the coins of AUectus, " Fortasse Monetarii festi-
imntes typo avers?e partis nunimorum Carausii usi sunt :" this
supposes that he had no coins struck until he had murdered
Carausius. It is singular that, with few exceptions, they are
of better execution than those of the first usurper, a still further
proof that those who aspired to sovereign power took care to
be prepared beforehand (see the remarks under Marius) with
the most powerful persuasive both in ancient and modern
times. Under any circumstances, it was the custom to lose no
time in preparing money with the imperial effigy ; thus we
find in Tacitus (Hist. lib. ii. c. 82), that one of the first acts of
Vespasian at Antioch was to strike money : " Prima belli cura
agere delectus ; revocare Veteranos ; destinantur validse civi-
tates exercendis armorum officinis : apud /Intiochenses aurum
argentumqne signatur."
RELATING TO BKITAIN. 149
created emperor whose vessel soon foundered.
When the virtvs accompanies this tyjDC, it would
appear to denote that AUectus felt conscious of
the advantage he possessed, in the fleet which
guarded the shores of his island.
GOLD AND SILVER.
L ADVENTvs AVG The emperor, wearing the radiated
crown, on horseback ; his right hand elevated, his left
holding a staff; before, a captive seated on the ground.
AU.
In the cabinet of Count D'Erceville. Com-
municated by M. de Longperier. This coin is
probably unique.
2. COMES AVG. Minerva standing, holding in her right
hand a branch ; in her left, a javelin and buckler. In
the exergue, ml. (Hunter.) au.
3. ORiENS AVG. The sun standing, between two captives
seated on the ground ; his right hand elevated, his
left holding a globe. In the exergue, ml. (Mead's
Catalogue, p. 13.) au.
This coin is probably unique : the remarks on
that of Carausius with the same type apply to
this.
4. PAX AVG. Peace standing; her right hand holding aloft
an olive-branch, her left holding the hasta transversely.
In the exergue, ml. au. and ar.
This is the least rare of the gold types. One
was found in the Isle of Dogs a short time since,
and purchased for the British Museum. A coin
150 COINS OF THE ROMANS
of this type, in the cabinet of Mr. l>runiell, is
plated with silver.
.5. Same legend. Same type, with s. f. in the field, and
ML. in the exergue. ar.
6. PROviDENTiA AVG (or DEOK.) Providence standing.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, msl. (Mionnet.)
AR.
7. SALVs AVG. Salus standing, holding a serpent, which
she feeds out of a patera. In the exergue, ml. (Haym.)
AR.
8. SALVS AVG. Hygeia feeding a serpent out of a patera.
In the exergue of some, ml. au.
There is a modern forgery of this type in
silver, which has been, probably, cast in a mould
formed from the gold coin.
9. SPES AVG. Hope, In the exergue, mi. or ml. au.
10. viRTvs AVG. The emperor on horsehack, armed with a
javelin, riding over a prostrate enemy. In the exergue,
. . . (In the Hunter collection.) Au.
11. viRTVs AVG. Mars standing. In the exergue, msl.
AU.
This unique coin was purchased at the Trattle
sale, for the Duke de Blacas, for £74 ! a most
absurd and extravagant price.
THIRD BRASS.
1. ADVENTVS AVG. Allcctus on horscback, his right hand
raised, his left holding a staff. In the exergue, spc.
2. AEQviTAS AVG. Equitv Standing, with her attributes.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
3. Same legend. A similar type; s. a. in tlie field; x^JL. iu
the exergue.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 151
4. come;s avg. Minerva standing.
5. DiANAE REDVCi. Diana standing.
6. FELiciTAS sAECVLi. Felicitv standing before an altar,
holding in her hands a patera and a cornucopia. In
the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
7. FIDES MiLiTVM. A wouian standing, holding an ensign
in each hand. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
8. FIDES MILITVM. A similar type ; s. p. in the field ; cl.
in the exergue.
9. HiLARiTAS AVG. A vvoman standing, holding a branch
and a coi'nucopia. In the field, s p. In the exergue,
ML.
10. Same legend. A similar type ; s.a. in the field ; m. in
the exergue.
1 1 . Same legend. A similar type ; s. p. in the field ; c. in
the exergue.
12. lovi coNSERVATORi. Jupitcr standing, holding the hasta
and a thunderbolt. In the field, s. p.
13. LAETiTi. . . AVG. Laetitia standing, holding in her right
hand a branch or a garland, and in her left an in-
verted javelin. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
14. Same legend. A similar type: s. a. in the field ; msl.
in the exergue.
15. LAETITIA AVG. A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, cl.
16. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s, a. In
the exergue, ml.
17. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, c.
18. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s.a. In
the exergue, msl.
19. Same legend. A similar type, with ml. in the exergue.
20. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, cl.
21. Same legend. A similar tvpe. In the field, s. a. In
the exergue, ml.
152 COINS OF THE ROMANS
22. Same legend. A galley with a mast, and with four
rowers. In the exergue, qc.
23. Same legend. A galley, with six rowers. In the exer-
gue, QC.
24 Same legend. A galley, without mast, and four rowers.
In the exergue, ql.
25. LAETiTiA AVGvsTi. A womau standing, holding in her
right hand a branch or a garland, and in her left a
javelin reversed. In the exergue, c.
26. MONETA AVG. Moneta standing, with her attributes.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
27. MONETA AVG. A similar tvpe : with s. a. in the field,
and ML. in the exergue. (Or, s. a. in the field, and
MSL. in the exergue. )
28. ORiENS AVG. The sun standing; his right hand raised;
his left holding a glol)e. In the field, s. v. (In the
Hunter collection.)
29. PAX AVG. Peace standing, holding a flower in her right
hand, and the hasta pura erect in her left. In the
field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
30. Same legend. A similar tvpe ; with s. p. in the field,
and ML. in the exergue. (Or, s. a. in the field, and
ML, in the exergue.)
31. Same legend. Peace standing, holding in her right
hand a flower, and in her left the hasta transversely.
In the field, s. a In the exergue, ml.
32. Same legend. A similar tvpe ; with s p. in the field,
and c. in the exergue.
33. Same legend. A similar type, with s. a. in the field, and
ml. in the exergue. (Or, s. m. in the field, and ml. in
the exergue : or, s. p. in the field, and ml. in the exer-
gue : or, s. A. in the field, and msl. in the exergue.)
34. Same legend. A similar type; with s. A. in the field,
and ml. in the exergue The obverse has the bust of
AUectus, with radiated crown and coat of inail, holding
a javelin and a buckler: legend, imp. allectvs p. f.
AVG. (In the Hunter collection.)
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 153
35. Same legend. Same type and letters. The obverse has
the bust of Allectus, with radiated head and the trabea,
holding a sceptre, surmounted by an eagle : legend,
IMP. ALLECTVS P. F. AVG. (In the Hunter collection.)
36. piETAs AVG. Piety, holding a cornucopia and a patera,
sacrificing on an altar. In the field, s. a. In the ex-
ergue, ML.
37. PROviD. AVG. Type of Providence. In the field, s. p.
In the exergue, c. The obverse of this coin reads
IMP. c. ALLECTVS piv. FEL. AVG. ; radiated head to the
right. (Cabinet of Mr. C. R. Smith.)
38. PRoviD. AVG. A woman standing ; in her right hand, a
globe ; in her left, a cornucopia. In the field, s. p.
In the exergue, c. (Or, s. p. in the field, and ml. in
the exergue : or, s. a. in the field, and ml. in the ex-
ergue.)
39. PROviDENTiA AVG. A woman standing, holding a globe
in her right hand, and the hasta pura in her left. In
the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
40. Same legend. A similar type ; with s. a. in the field,
and msl. in the exei'gue.
41. Same legend. A woman standing, holding in her right
hand a globe, and in her left the hasta pura trans-
versely. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
42. Same legend. A woman standing, holding in her right
hand a globe, and in her left a cornucopia. In the
field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
43. Same legend. A similar type : with s. a. in the field,
and ML. in the exergue.
44. Same legend. A similar type : with s. a. in the field,
and ML. in the exergue. The obverse has the bust of
Allectus with radiated head, buckler, and coat of mail,
holding a javelin resting on his shoulder. (British
Museum.)
45. Same legend. A woman standing, touching with a
wand, which she holds in her right hand, a globe on
X
154 COINS OF THE ROMANS
the ground, and holding a cornucopia in her left. In
the field, 8. p. In the exergue, c.
46. Same legend. A similar type: with s. p. in the field,
and CL. in the exergue.
47. ROMAE AETEKN. A temple, with eight columns : within,
a sedent figure. In the exergue, . . . (In the
Hunter collection.)
48. SAECVLI FELiciTAs. The emperor standing, holding in
his right hand the hasta transversely, and in his left
a globe. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, ml.
49. SALVS AVG. Salus standing, feeding a serpent out of a
patera. In the field, s. a. In the exergue, ml.
50. Same legend. A similar type. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, ml.
51. SALVS AVG, Salus standing before an altar, holding in
her right hand a patera, and in her left the hasta pura.
In the field, s. c. In the exergue, ml.
52. Same legend. Salus, feeding a serpent, rising from an
altar ; her left hand holding the hasta. In the field,
s. A. In the exergue, ml.
53. spES AVG. The usual type of Hope. In the field,
s. A. In the exergue, ml.
54. Same legend. Same type : with s.a. in the field, and
ML in the exergue. (Or, s. p. in the field, and ml. in
the exergue.)
55. spEs pvBLicA. Same type : with s. p. in tlie field, and
ml. in the exergue.
56". Same legend. Same type : with s. p. in the field, and c.
in the exergue.
57. TEMPORVM FELic. FeUcity Standing, holding in her right
hand a caduceus, and in her left the hasta pura.
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, cl.
58. Same legend. Felicity standing, holding a long caduceus
and a cornucopia. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
59. TEMPORVM FELiciT. A similar type : s. p. in the field ;
c. in the exergue.
EELATING TO BRITAIN. 155
60. TEMPORVM FELiciTAS. A similar type : s. a. in the field ;
MSL. (or CL.) in the exergue.
61. VICTORIA AVG. Victory marching, with garland and
palm-branch. In the field, s. p. In the exergue, ml.
62. viRTVs AVG. The emperor standing to the right,
holding in the right hand a javelin ; in the left, a
globe. In the field, s. a. In the exergue, ml.*
63. Same legend. Hercules standing. In the field, s. p. In
the exergue, ml. (In the collection of Mr. C. R.
Smith.)
64. VIRTVS AVG. Mars standing, with spear and buckler :
In the field, s. p. In the exergue, c.
65. Same legend. Same type. In the field, s. a. In the
exergue, ml.
66. Same legend. A galley, with a mast, and four rowers-
In the exergue, qc.
67. Same legend. A galley, with a mast, and six rowers.
In the exergue, qc.
68. Same legend. A similar type, with seven rowers. In
the exergue, qc.
69. Same legend. A similar type, with five rowers ; the
emperor standing on the prow. In the exergue, qc.
(In the Hunter collection.)
70. Same legend. A galley, with mast, and four rowers, on
the sea. In the exergue, ql.
71. Same legend. A similar type, with five rowers.
72. Same legend. A galley, on the sea, without mast, and
six rowers. In the exergue, ql.
* Num. Chron. voLi. p. 264.
156 COINS OF THE ROMANS
CONSTANTINIIS MAGNUS.
[a.d. 311 TO A.D. 337.]
From the period of the defeat and death of Al-
lectus, to the tmie of the first Constantine, no
Roman corns appear to have been struck in
Britain, if we except those of Maximianus, which
have LON. or ml. or mlxxi. in the exergue, the
last two being found on the coins of Carausius ;
but under Constantine, coins were minted with
the letters plon. in the exergue. These letters
are by most antiquaries supposed to signify
Pecunia Londinensis ; and this conjecture is sup-
ported by the existence of many coins of Con-
stantine and his sons, with letters and numerals
indicating other places of mintage, such as Sir-
mium, Treves, Lugdunum, Aries, Siscia, Aquileia,
Rome, and Alexandria. Many of them, sup-
posed to have been struck at Lugdunum, have
merely the letter l. to indicate the place of
mintage. These are found in immense numbers
on the Continent ; and on that account are not
assigned to the London mint, while those with
PLON. are of rather unusual occurrence, and
are, ^Yithout doubt, the produce of the British
Colony, being more frequently discovered in
EELATING TO BRITAIN. 157
England, than in other countries once forming
part of the Roman dominions.*
It is somewhat singular that no gold or silver
coins of Constantine and his sons bear the letters
of the London mint. All the coins of these
princes having plon. in the exergue, are of
small brass, and, as I believe, confined to par-
ticular types, which are here described : —
I.
Obverse. CONSTANTINVS AVG. Constantinus Augustus.
Helmeted bust of Constantine with coat of mail.
Reverse. BEATA TRANQVILLITAS. f A quadrangular
altar supporting a globe, over which are three
stars : on the fi-ont of the altar VOTIS XX : in
the exergue, PLON.
II.
Obverse. CONSTANTINVS AVG. Constantinus Augustus.
Laureated bust of Constantine with coat of mail :
in the right hand a sceptre surmounted with an
eagle.
Reverse. BEAT. TRANQLITAS. Altar, &c. as on No. I.
In the exergue, PLON. (Cabinet of Mr. C. R.
Smith.)
These types are extremely common, with other
* Jobert, desirous of giving these coins to Lugdunum
(Lyons) reads the plon. " Percussa Lugduni in officina
nona ;" but Bimard assigns them to the London mint. " Sci-
ence des Medailles," torn. ii. p. 104. edit. 1739.
t This legend is very frequently blundered or contracted :
thus TR.«lNQLITAS — TRANQVILITAS, and sometimes RANQLITAS.
158 COINS OF THE ROMANS
letters in the exergue.* These coins must have
been minted in prodigious numbers in many
parts of the empire, and were evidently issued
in commemoration of that profound tranquillity
which then reigned throughout the Eoman do-
minions. Father Harduin has been ridiculed for
seeing, in the three stars, a symbolic compliment
to the three emperors; but it is certainly a more
rational conjecture than many others in which
that antiquary indulged. Pindarf tells us, that
Tranquillity was the daughter of Justice, wlio
caused towns to flourish and become great ; and
Claudian, in his panegyric, styles Antoninus Pius
" Tranquillum Pium^'' and contrasts him with
the war-loving Severus. Coins of the younger
Constantine have the same reverse, with a ga-
leated, laureated, or crowned bust on the obverse,
as have also the coins of Crispus.
III.
Olverse. CONSTANTINVS AVG. Laureated bust of Con-
stantine.
Reverse. SARMATIA DEVICTA. Victory with a trophy
in her right hand, and a palm-branch in her left,
trampling on a captive seated on the ground before
her : in the exergue, PLON. and a crescent.
* It should be mentioned that the coins of this period, in
all the metals, very frequently have letters in the fieldj the
signification of which is extremely doubtful.
f Pvth. carm. viii.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 159
This type is also of very frequent occurrence
with other letters in the exergue. It commemo-
rates the victory obtained by Constantine over
the Sauromat^ who dwelt near the Palus Mseotis.
The emperor having heard that these people had
passed the Ister in boats, and pillaged his ter-
ritories, immediately marched against them.
The Sauromatte were led by their king, Rausi-
modus. Zosimus* tells us that the barbarians
attacked a town, the walls of which were topped
with wood only, which they fired, and then
assaulted on all sides : but the besieged made a
brave resistance; and in the height of the com-
bat Constantine arrived, and victory decided in
favour of the Roman army. Many were slain,
and great numbers were made prisoners. Rau-
simodus saved the remainder of his army by
flight, and, crossing the Ister, entered the Roman
dominions : but the victor was at his heels, and
again gave battle to him in a thick wood on the
summit of a hill. The Romans were once more
victorious, the king of the Sauromata3 was left
dead on the field, and great numbers of his fol-
lowers were made captives.
IV.
Obverse. CONSTANTINVS P. F. AVG. Constantinus
Pius Felix Augustus. Laureated bust of Con-
stantine with coat of mail.
* Lib. ii.
160 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Reverse. SOLI INVICTO COMITI. The sun wearing the
paUium, standing : his right hand elevated, his
left holding a globe ; in the exergue, MLON.
{Moneta Londinensis).
The same type is extremely common with
other letters in the exergue; and the first two
of these three reverses, with the same letters in
the exergue, occur on the coins of Crispus and
the younger Constantine. The coin here de-
scribed, must have been struck previously to the
year of Rome 1064 (a.d. 311), when Constan-
tine " embraced Christianity."* The deity on
the reverse was a favourite one vnih. his heathen
predecessors.
V.
Obverse. CONSTANTINVS AVG, Constantimis Augustus.
Helmeted bust of Constantine to the right.
Reverse. VIRTVS EXERCIT. Hrtus Exercitum. Two
captives, their hands bound behind their backs,
seated on the ground ; between them a labarum
inscribed VOT. XX. : in the exergue, PLON.
VT.
Obverse. CONSTANTINVS AVG. Constant inus Augustus.
Laureated head of Constantine to the right.
* I trust to be forgiven for copying the words of the his-
torian, in speaking of Constantine's abandonment of the gods
of his forefathers. To suppose, however, that he " embraced
Cliristiuiiity," is an insult to its meek Founder. He ascended
the throne, reeking with the slaughter of friends whom his
ambition had converted into enemies ; and he quitted for
ever the " eternal city" after the murders of his wife and son,
with the odious appellative of a " second Nero." Great as
were the abilities of Constantine, it required not the prejudice
of Zosimus to render his name hateful to humanitv.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 161
Reverse. PROVIDENTIAE AVGG. Providentice Augus-
torum. The gate of a camp ; above, a star. In
the exergue, PLON. (Cabinet of Mr. C. R.
Smith.)
To those who are practically acquainted with
Roman coins, it is scarcely necessary to add that
there is no coin of Constantine struck at London
and commemorating his baptism. Those who
would learn on what authority such an absurd
story has been built, are referred to a notice in
the Numismatic Journal.*
FAUSTA.
[a.d. 307 TO A.D. 326.]
The coins of this empress, the daughter of Max-
imianus Hercules, and wife of Constantine the
Great, are common in small brass, except those
which bear the letters plon. in the exergue,
which are of considerable rarity. The following
coin is in the cabinet of Mr. Brumell : —
Obverse. FLAV. MAX. FAVSTA AVG. Flavia Maxima
Fausta Augusta. Bust of the empress to the
right.
Reverse. SALVS REIPVBLICAE. Safety of the Republic.
A woman standing, holding a child on each arm :
in the exergue, PLON.
* Vol. i. p. 260.
Y
162 COINS OF THE ROMANS
This type, though doubtless intended as a
compliment to the empress, is not of very easy
interpretation. Do the two children represent
the princes to whom Fausta had given birth, or
are they typical of the Roman people? The
numismatist will remember the coins of Julia
Domna, on which she is styled " Mater Senatus"
and " Mater Caatrorum^'' and the denarii of
Plautilla which bear the proud boast " Propago
Imperi.^^
Fausta was married to Constantine in the year
307 ; and by his order suffocated in a warm bath
A.D. 326. Some assert that she was not guilty
of the crime for which she suffered.
CRISPUS.
[a.d. 317 TO A.D. 326.]
The coins of this prince, struck, as is generally
supposed, in the London mint, are as follow : —
I.
Obverse. FL. IVL. CRISPVS NOB. CAES. Flavins Ju-
lius Crispus Nohilissimus Ccesar. Laureated
bust of Crispus with the paludamentum.
Reverse. PROVIDENTIA CAESS. Providentia Ccesarum.
The gate of a camp ; above, a star :* in the exer-
gue, PLON. (Pecunia Londinensis).
* This object is palpably imitated on a penny of the Anglo-
Saxon King Edweard the First. See Ruding, plate 16, No. 21.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 163
The same type is found on the coins of the
younger Constantine.
II.
Obverse. IVL. CRISPVS NOB. C. Julius Crispus No-
hilissimus Ccesar, Laureated head of Crispus.
Reverse. VOT. X. {Votis decern), within a garland, around
which are the words CAESARVM NOSTRO-
RVM : in the exergue, PLON. {Pecunia Londi-
nensis}, and a crescent.
III.
Obverse. CRISPVS NOBIL. C. Crispus NoUlissimus Ccesar.
Laureated head of Crispus ; bust in armour, with
shield and javelin in front.
Reverse. BEAT. TRANQLITAS. An altar, surmounted by a
globe, inscribed VOTIS XX. In the exergue,
PLON.
IV.
Obverse. As No. III. Helmeted head ; bust in armour ; on
the left arm a shield ; in the right hand a javelin
resting on the shoulder.
Reverse. BEATA TRANQVILLITAS. An altar, as No. III.
In the field, P. A. In the exergue, PLON.
The last two coins are in the collection of Mr.
C. R. Smith.
CONSTANTINUS JUNIOR.
[a.d. 317 TO A.D. 340.]
The coins of this prince resemble those of his
father and brother; but many of them bear a
portrait by no means resembling that of the
elder Constantine. The reader will scarcely
164 COINS OF THE EOMANS
require to be reminded that this prince was the
legitimate son of Constantine, by his wife Fausta,
and that Crispus was also his son, but by a con-
cubine named Minervina. Crispus was put to
death by command of his father, upon a charge
of having attempted the chastity of the empress
Fausta, who was subsequently detected in an
amour with a slave. The portraits on the coins
of this prince, are invariably like those of his
father; but those of the younger Constantine
have frequently a totally different character, a
fact for which I am unable to account.
The types of the small brass coins of this
prince, with the initials of the London mint, re-
semble, in every respect, those of his brother
Crispus.
CONSTANTIUS JUNIOR.
[a.d. 323 TO A.D. 361.]
I.
Obverse. FL. IVL. CONSTANTIVS NOB. C. Tlie lau-
reated head of the Caesar to the left ; front bust
with an embroidered paludamentum over the
tunic.
Reverse. PROVIDENTIAE CAESS. The gate of a camp
surmounted by a star. In the exergue, PLON.
II.
Obverse. FLA. CONSTANTIVS NOB. C. Laureated head ;
bust, with paludamentum over the tunic, to the
right.
KELATING TO BRITAIN. 165
Reverse. As No. I. In exergue, PLON.
These two coins are the only specimens yet
recorded of the younger Constantius, as be-
longing to the London mint. They are in the
cabinet of Mr. C. R. Smith, and were commu-
nicated by him to the Numismatic Society.*
HELENA.
There were three ladies of this name connected
with the family of Constantine; namely, the
mother of that emperor, the wife (as is sup-
posed) of Crispus, and the consort of Julian,
surnamed the Apostate. Their coins are not
easily distinguished, but the small brass example
here described, and which is exceedingly common
with other letters in the exergue, is supposed by
Eckhelf to bear the effigy of Helena Juliani.
Helena, the daughter of Constantine by Fausta,
was married to Julian when that prince was
declared Cassar (a.d. 355). She died a short
time after her husband's accession to the
empire.
Obverse. FL. HELENA AVGVSTA. Bust of Helen.
* Num. Chron. vol. i. p. 217.
t Doct. Num. Vet. vol. viii. p. 145.
166 COINS OF THE ROMANS
Reverse. SECVRITAS REIPVBLICAE. A woman stand-
ing, holding in her right hand an olive-branch.
In the exergue, PIjON.
This piece occurs in the list of Roman coins
found in the bed of the Thames, communicated
by Mr. C. R. Smith to the Numismatic So-
ciety.*
MAGNUS MAXIMUS.
This usurj^er was a Spaniard by birth, and
general of the legions in Britain, in the reign
of the emperor Gratianus. He revolted, and
entered Gaul at the head of a powerful army,
A.D. 383. Theodosius defeated and caused him
to be beheaded at Aquileia, a.d. 388. All his
coins bear exergual letters of the continental
mints only. The same may be said of Constan-
tinus, a private soldier, proclaimed emperor by
the legions of Britain in the days of Honorius,
A. D. 411.
After this period, the minting of Roman coins
appears to have been confined to the capital, and
* Numismatic Chronicle, vol. iv. p. 191.
RELATING TO BRITAIN. 167
the various cities of the Continent. I know of no
Roman coin, subsequent to the reign of the
younger Constantius, which has any indication of
its having been struck in Britain; and it has
been shewn that the Romans ceased to com-
memorate, on their coins, their deeds in this
island after the reigns of Geta and Caracalla.
Coins of the elder Constantine have reference to
France and Germany; but none are known with
any other allusion to Britain than the exergual
letters, plon.
On reviewing the types of the Roman coins
commemorating events in Britain, the antiquary
is compelled to confess that they afford but little
information respecting the manners and habits
of our savage ancestors. It is somewhat re-
markable that while Spain, Egypt, Parthia, Mau-
ritania, and other provinces, are characterised
on Roman coins by their peculiar attributes,
those which refer to Britain merely denote her
insular situation, or that the sea washed her
shores. On the money of Antoninus Pius, Par-
thia is distinguished by the quiver of arrows,
Africa by the proboscis of the elephant, Cappa-
docia by Mount Arg^eus, and Spain by her
rabbit, &c. ; but it Avould appear, that the artists
of the Roman mint took but little pains to
168 COINS OF THE ROMANS
obtain further information than that the shores
of Britain were defended by rocks, and that the
province was surrounded by the sea. Did the
senate consider that the representation of a
naked and ill-armed barbarian, would convey
but a mean idea of the power of the Roman
arms, and therefore forbid a more characteristic
representation of Britain ?
Postscript.
In the introduction to this volume, the Britons
are described as being an easy prey to the new
invaders upon the decay of the Roman power.
This admits of some qualification. M. Guizot,
in his admirable " Essais sur THistoire de
France," observes that the Britons have unjustly
been accused of effeminacy for their letter to
Aetius,* unploring assistance from Rome; that
while Spain, Gaul, and Italy fell without a
struggle, Britain alone, less civilised, less Roman
than the other provinces, withstood for a time
the barbarian inroad; and the fact of their re-
sistance is on record.
* Beda, Hist. Eccles. ii. c.l3.
(^
WcrtUrimt-r & Co.. Printers, Circus Hlace, Fiiisburj Circus.
INDEX TO THE PLATES.
DESCKIBED AT
MBTAt.
PLATE.
I'AGE
COLLECTION.
Claudius
Gold
PI. I. No. 1
13
British Museum
Id.
Silver
„ „ 2
16
Id.
Claudius and ">
Britannicus j"
Gold
,, ., 3
18
T. Thomas
Id.
Brass
„ ., 4
19
Id.
Hadrianus
Brass
„ „ ^
23
British Museum
Id.
Brass
„ ,. G
23
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ o 7
25
Id.
Id.
Brass
.. ,. 8
25
Id.
Antoninus Pius
Brass
,. „ 9
34
Id.
Id.
Brass
PI. II. „ 10
30
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ „ 11
34
Id.
Id.
Brass
.. ..12
34
H. Vint
Id.
Brass
„ .. 13
31
British Museum
Id.
Brass
,. ,. 14
33, No. vii
Id.
Id.
Brass
., » 15
33, No. viii
Id.
Id.
Brass
., ., 16
32, No.vi
Id.
Id.
Brass
,. ,. 17
32, No.vi
Id.
Id.
Brass
PI. III. „ 18
30, No. iii
Id.
COMMODUS
Brass
., „ '9
38
Id.
Id.
Brass (med.)
„ ,. 20
36
Id.
Sept. Severus
Silver
„ ., 21
47
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ ,. 22
46
Id.
Id.
Silver
„ .. 23
47
Id.
Id.
Silver
.- .. 24
45
Id.
Caracam.a
Brass
,. „ 2.5
62
Id.
Skverus
Brass
Pl.IV.,, 26
46
Id.
Caracalla
Brass
„ .. 27
63
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ ., 28
63
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ „ 29
63
J. Y. Akerman
Id.
Silver
„ „ 30
64
Rri'vish Museum
Id.
Brass
>. ., 31
64
Id.
Geta
Silver
„ ,. 32
68
Id.
Id.
Brass
,. „ 33
66, No. iii
Id.
Id.
Brass
,. ,, 34
66, No. V
Rev. J. B. Reade
Caraustus
Brass
PI V. „ 35
141
C. R. Smith
Id.
Brass
„ ,. 36
130
C. F. Newman ?
Id.
Brass
.. ,. 37
131, No. 55
J. Y. Akerman
Id.
Brass
„ ,. 38
132. No. 73
Id.
Id.
Brass
,. ,, 39
135
British Museum
Id.
Brass
>, .. 40
132, No. 77
C. R. Smith
Id.
Brass
„ „ 41
138,No. 140
Id.
Id.
Brass
,, „ 42
143,No.201
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ „ 43
145, No. 230
fLord Albert
\ Conynghani
Allectus
Brass
,. ., 44
153, No. 37
C. R. Smith
Id.
Gold
PI. VI. „ 45
149, No. 1
CountD'Erceville
Id.
Gold
., .. 46
149, No. 4
British Museum
Id.
Brass
., „ 47
155, No. 62
J. Y. Akerman
CONSTANTINUS \
Magnus j
Brass
,- ., 48
157
C. R. Smith
Id.
Brass
.. ,. 49
158
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ >, 50
160
Id.
Crispus
Brass
„ ,, 51
163
Id.
Id.
Brass
,. „ 52
' 163
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ „ 53
':163
Id.
CONSTANTIUSJUN.
Brass
., „ 54
164
Id.
Id.
Brass
„ „ 55
164
Id.
170 INDEX TO THE PLATES, ETC.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE REPRESENTING THE MODE OF |
CASTING ROMAN COINS AS DESCRIBED AT PAGE 89. 'i
No. 1, represents the group of moulds arranged for casting.
No. 2, is a mass uf metal filling channel D.
No. 3. Ground-plan of moulds found at Lingwell-Gate.
No. 4. Highly-magnified representation of Navinila'., occurring in the
clay of which the moulds arc composed. (See page 9.').)
No. 5. Double pile of moulds with funnel attached.
No. 6. Crucible found at Lingwell-Gate.
WOODCUTS.
Page
1. Reverse of first brass of Antoninus, described at page 29 . . title
2. Reverse of second brass of Geta, described at page GS . . viii
3. Vignette 7
4. Medallion of Commodus . 37
5. Second brass of Geta ........ G8
6. Brass vessel discovered near Hexham . . . . .102
7. Inscriptions with the name of Tetricus, found at Bittern . 10'")
8. Gold coin of Maximian 109
ERRATA.
The large brass coin of Caracalla (No. 3 1 ) is a variety of that described
at page C3. It is in the collection of the British Museum.
Page 132. To the description of No. 73 add " or qc"
I
./»v
1
THE FOLLOWING
NUMISMATIC WORKS
BY JOHN YONGE AKERMAN,
MAY BE HAD OP THE PUBLISHER,
JOHN RUSSELL SMITH,
4, Old Compton Street, Soho Squabe.
I.
A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF RARE AND UNEDITED
ROMAN COINS, from the earliest period to the Extinction of the
Empire under Constantine Paleologus. 2 Vols. 8vo. \L Is.
II.
COINS OF THE ROMANS RELATING TO BRITAIN, described and
illustrated with 6 plates. The Second edition, revised and greatly
enlarged. 8vo. 10s. 6 J.
III.
A NUMISMATIC MANUAL, or, Guide to the study of Greek, Roman, and
English Coins, with representations of many hundred types, all drawn
from the originals. Second edition, greatly enlarged. 1 Vol. 8vo. I/. Is.
Works edited by Mr. Akerman.
IV.
THE NUMISMATIC JOURNAL, a collection of papers on Numismatic
Subjects by the Editor and others, with numerous engravings on wood
and steel. 2 Vols. 8vo.
V.
THE NUMISMATIC CHRONICLE AND JOURNAL OF THE
NUMISMATIC SOCIETY, being a continuation of the Numismatic
Journal. 6 Vols. 8vo.
This periodical, the only one dedicated to Numismatic Science in England, ispublislicd
Quarterly ; four numbers, at 3s. Gd. each, making a volume.
Preparing for publication.
VI.
THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS
CHRIST ; with Numismatic and other Notes, and Engravings of many
Ancient Coins from the originals in the collection of the British Museum,
and the Cabinets of Paris, Vienna, &c.
The intention of the Editor is to furnish very accurate engravings of many Coins whicli
in a remarkable manner illustrate the H«rcn<f«e portions of the New Testament.
Not a word of controversial character will be inserted in the notes. The work
will be published in one Volume octavo, and at a price which will place it within
the reach of every reader.
*,!,* The vames of Suhsnihers may be addressed to the Editor, to the care of
Mr. J. R. Smith, 4, Old Compton Street, Soho Square.
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