A unique hoard of Roman gold coins buried decades before the Roman conquest of Britain has been discovered in Norfolk County.
So far, over the years, eleven aurei (ancient Roman gold coins) from the reign of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, have been found in a field near Norwich.
According to Adrian Marston, Norfolk County Council numismatist and Roman numismatist, the aureus dates to between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD.
Interestingly, all the coins were minted before the conquest of Britain by the Romans, which took place after the invasion launched by Rome’s fourth emperor, Claudius.
As the coins are in good condition, they could not have been in circulation for many days when they were stored.
Nine gold #Roman Coins declared as treasure #Norfolkincluding 6 aurei #Augustus may have been buried together,” in the first two decades of [AD 1st] century, later #iron ageand before the Roman invasion of AD43.” https://t.co/IoGi6YWUT5 #Roman Britain #Archaeology pic.twitter.com/xVlrovhWaH
— Roman Britain News (@Roman_Britain) February 14, 2021
[Nove moedas romanas de ouro foram declaradas como tesouro em Norfolk, incluindo 6 aureus de Augusto enterrados juntos, provavelmente “nas primeiras décadas do século [I d.C.] At the end of the Iron Age, and before the Roman invasion of AD 43”.]
The absence of later minted coins indicates that they were buried soon after they were minted.
Marsden says there is no way to know for sure how the coins were buried in the field before the arrival of the Roman legions.
“Obviously [as moedas] were buried before the invasion,” an expert told Live Science.
“They may have been part of some offering to the gods, but someone may have buried them with the intention of retrieving them later.” (with Sputnik Brazil)
Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.