ID
711
Permalink
Hoard name
LONDON - 331 LIME ST
Data type
Hoard
Date of discovery (from)
1 May 1952
(to)
31 May 1952
Total number of coins
32
Summary
A small hoard of barbarous radiate coins came to light. It was found in the course of routine archaeological observations and 'rescue' excavation while the builders' clearance of the site was in progress. Thirty-two coins were found crammed tightly into a hole about 15 deep, and with a maximum diameter of 2 cm, tapering downwards. The hole was covered by a tile.
Of the thirty-two coins found, two disintegrated during cleaning, and one is so corroded as to be practically illegible. Another having a maximum diameter of 20 mm is little more than a plain disc of bronze. It is completely smooth, and is probably a moneyer's blank, possibly produced by hammering a coin flat.
Of the remaining twenty-eight specimens, one stands apart from the rest in size, in style and in faithfulness to its prototype, R.A.G. Carson considered it is not an official issue, but, if not, it is an excellent copy of a coin of Tetricus II, scarcely more barbarous than the original.
The remaining twenty-seven coins are of greater interest. They are distinctly smaller, averaging about 15 mm in diameter, and are mostly in good condition. Their characteristics are extreme barbarity of inscription, which in most cases has very little resemblance to its prototype, combined with good portraiture. The portraits are usually life-like. The reverse types, on the other hand, are crude.
The most interesting feature of the group, however, is the presence of a number of die identities, with several linked dies. This, coupled with the fresh condition of the coins, strongly suggests that they were deposited soon after leaving their maker's hands. There can be little doubt that they were made in London, perhaps not far from the place in which they were found.
They have mostly been struck on fairly regular flans, but in some cases these are irregularly clipped. The die axes are completely irregular and haphazard. The die pattern is of slightly greater diameter (about 17 mm. in several cases) than the coins themselves (average diameter 15 mm.), and is usually struck off-centre.
Only eleven obverse and eleven reverse dies are represented in the twenty-seven coins."
There followed a description, with types, of 26 coins, representing 10 obverse dies, in imitation of coins of the following emperors: Gallienus - Tetricus I.
They constitute a 'hoard' only in a purely technical sense, since as a store of personal wealth their value must have been pathetically small. Moreover, in the circumstances in which they were buried, there is considerable doubt whether their recovery was seriously intended, in view of the probable imminence of the rebuilding which would make it impossible.
