COIN (ROMAN)

A silver Roman Republican denarius, issued by Marcus Vargunteius c.130 BC, ROMA reverse type depicting Jupiter in quadriga, right, holding thunderbolt and reins in left hand and branch in right hand. Mint of Rome. Cf. Crawford (RRC) 257/1; BMC Republic Vol.1, p.163, no.1068; BMC Republic Vol.III, pl.XXIX, fig.1 (c.102 BC so wrong date). The coin has been more recently pierced for suspension as a pendant so it is being considered as potential Treasure, and there is corrosion product within the hole.



REPORT TO CORONER FOR BM ref.: 2018 T961; PAS ID: CORN-3D6FFB



This report will consider this coin with respect to the criteria laid down in the Treasure Act (1996): namely, its age and precious metal content.



Description of find



The coin is a Roman Republican silver denarius of Marcus Vargunteius issued in c. 130 BC, RRC 257/1.



Obverse legend: M. VARG / Ӿ 



Description: Helmeted head of Roma facing right within border of dots 



Reverse legend: ROMA (in ex.)



Description: Jupiter in quadriga, right, holding thunderbolt and reins in left hand and branch in right hand.



The coin has been pierced at 12 o'clock on the obverse (die axis 7) and the piercing appears to be ancient. The coin was cleaned by the finder prior to reporting.



Date and metal content



The coin satisfies the terms of the Treasure Act with regard to age and metal content. It is certainly more than 300 years old and has precious metal content in excess of the 10% threshold.



Normally, there would need to be two or more such coins of the same find in order to meet the requirements of the Treasure Act, but the fact that this coin has been pierced suggests it has been reused as a non-monetary object (eg a pendant) and therefore counts as a precious metal artefact of Roman date.



Conclusion



I conclude that this find constitutes a prima facie case of Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act (1996) by being a precious metal artefact of over 300 years old.



Dr. Eleanor Ghey



Curator: Iron Age and Roman Coin Hoards



Department of Coins and Medals



The British Museum

Ruler: Republic
Moneyer: Vargunteius, M.
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma facing right within border of dots
Obverse legend: M. VARG / Ӿ
Reverse: Jupiter in quadriga, right, holding thunderbolt and reins in left hand and branch in right hand within linear border
Reverse legend: ROMA (in exergue)
Dated: -130.0 to -130.0
Weight (g): 3.75
Diameter (mm): 20.0
Thickness (mm): 2.0
Completeness: Incomplete
Preservation: Good
Parish: Restricted Access
District: South Holland
County: Lincolnshire
Region: East Midlands
Place known as: Fleet
Discovery method: Metal detector
RRC reference: rrc-257.1
Notes: 
The coin was cleaned by the finder and had more silver oxide on the surface but there was only dirt in the hole and it was found on the surface.



The landowner notes that there is a Roman settlement close to her house according to Francis Pryor.