TWO ROMAN COINS, 1700 YEARS OLD recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme & ROMAN COIN COLLECTORS GUIDE JUST 149 TICKETS

Roman Nummus – GLORIA EXERCITVS Type (PAS: SUR-1FDEB9)

Roman copper-alloy nummus of the House of Constantine, struck c. AD 335–341. This coin was officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS Record ID: SUR-1FDEB9) before being returned to the finder.

The GLORIA EXERCITVS (“Glory of the Army”) series was one of the most common coin types of the 4th century, celebrating the strength and loyalty of the Roman army following the reign of Constantine the Great. This later variety depicts two soldiers flanking a single military standard, symbolising military unity and imperial authority. Although the mint is uncertain due to wear, coins of this type were struck at numerous mints and circulated widely across Britain and the western Roman Empire.

Coin Details
Denomination: Nummus
Date: c. AD 335–341
Ruler: House of Constantine
Material: Copper alloy
Mint: Uncertain
Obverse: Laureate and cuirassed bust facing right; legend CONSTAN[…]
Reverse: Two soldiers with one standard – GLORIA EXERCITVS
Mint Mark: Illegible
Die Axis: 1 o’clock
Measurements
Weight: 1.27 g
Diameter: 13.4 mm
Thickness: 1.6 mm

Despite heavy circulation wear, this is a genuine, recorded Roman coin with secure PAS provenance, offering a great connection to the late Roman Empire and one of its most recognisable military coin types.

Roman Radiate – Tetricus I / Contemporary Copy (PAS: SUR-1FF454)

Roman copper-alloy radiate (antoninianus) of Tetricus I, or a contemporary imitation, struck c. AD 271–274. Featuring the LAETITIA AVG reverse type, this coin was officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS Record ID: SUR-1FF454) before being returned to the finder.

Tetricus I ruled the breakaway Gallic Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century, when Britain, Gaul and parts of Germany were separated from the central Roman Empire. The reverse depicts Laetitia, goddess of joy and prosperity, holding a purse and anchor to symbolise stability and confidence during a period of political and economic upheaval. Whether an official issue or a contemporary copy, coins of this type circulated widely as monetary shortages encouraged unofficial production. This example is attributed to Mint I, Gaul (likely the Trier region) and corresponds broadly with examples recorded in the Normanby Hoard.

Coin Details
Denomination: Radiate (antoninianus)
Ruler: Tetricus I (or contemporary imitation)
Date: c. AD 271–274
Mint: Mint I, Gaul (likely Trier region)
Material: Copper alloy
Obverse: Radiate bust facing right; legend IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG
Reverse: Laetitia standing left holding purse and anchor
Reverse Legend: [… ]TITIA AVG[…]
Reverse Type: LAETITIA AVG
Die Axis: 1 o’clock
Measurements
Weight: 1.82 g
Diameter: 17 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm

Despite heavy wear, this is a genuine, recorded Roman coin with secure PAS provenance, representing the turbulent final years of the Gallic Empire. Whether an official strike or contemporary imitation, it offers an authentic and affordable link to one of the most fascinating periods of Roman history.

Book

Roman Coinage in Britain by PJ Casey

Accessible to archaeological experts and students alike, PJ Casey’s “Roman Coinage in Britain” is a fascinating investigation of the Roman Empire’s economic presence in Britain. Drawing from a wealth of archaeological sources, this book places Roman coinage in its rightful economic and political context to better understand the chronology and lives of those who used it. Boasting over a hundred images of exquisitely preserved coins, many of them life-sized, Casey’s study is a must for coin collectors, amateur archaeologists and anyone with an interest in ancient Roman Britain.