COIN (ROMAN)
A pierced silver Roman Republican denarius of the moneyer T. Didius, dating to the period 113 BC - 112 BC (Reece period 1). Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right, border of dots, below X. Reverse: Battle between gladiator armed with whip and gladiator armed with stave. Border of dots; in exergue T.DEIDI. Mint of Rome. RRC 294/1.

The coin is has been perforated with a square tool at approximately 3 o'clock on the obsverse.

A small section of the edge of the flan has broken away more recently.

Measurements: Diameter: 20.3mm, thickness: 1.9mm, weight: 3.21g.

Discussion: Single coin finds are not usually considered as Treasure under the Treasure Act unless modified in a way which removes them from circulation. The piercing of this example clearly signals the intent for its re-use as a pendant or votive object. Pierced coins do not appear in hoards and subsequently are known to be removed from circulation, clearly denoting a change in their purpose.

Conclusion: The object contains more than 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old. Consequently, it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996 in terms of both age and precious metal content.
Moneyer: Didius, T.
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma right, border of dots, below X
Reverse: Battle between gladiator armed with whip and gladiator armed with stave. Border of dots; in exergue T.DEIDI.
Dated: -113.0 to -112.0
Weight (g): 3.21
Diameter (mm): 20.3
Thickness (mm): 1.9
Completeness: Complete
Preservation: Fair
Parish: Restricted Access
District: Colchester
County: Essex
Region: Eastern
Place known as: Copford
Discovery method: Metal detector