Coin Hoard in Germany Contains Roman and Gallic Coins

Archaeology Magazine ^ | October 22, 2024 | editors / unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

Live Science reports that nearly 3,000 poorly preserved coins were discovered by a metal detectorist in the Westerwald mountain range, in an area outside the borders of the Roman Empire and any known settlements of ancient Germanic tribes. The coins were unearthed by archaeologists who also recovered more than 200 unidentified thin silver fragments decorated with geometric designs from the site. The cache had been placed in a ceramic pot and hidden between two rocks. "Most of the coins are so called Antoniniani, which were the official silver coin in the Roman Empire in the third century [A.D.], but mostly consisted of bronze with a thin silver overlay," explained Timo Lang of the Office of State Archaeology in Rhineland-Palatinate. It appears that most of the 100 coins identified to date depict either a Roman or Gallic emperor on one side. The Gallic Empire broke away from Rome between A.D. 260 and 274 and included what are now France, Belgium, Spain, and parts of Germany and Italy. The oldest coins show Roman emperor Gordianus III, who ruled from A.D. 238 to 244. The newest bear an image of the Gallic emperor Victorinus, who ruled from A.D. 269 to 271. Some of the coins were minted in Rome, but most of them were minted in Cologne, which was part of the Gallic Empire. The hoard was probably buried in the early 270s, Lang concluded.

[SunkenCiv]

The fronts and backs of several Roman-era coins from the hoard found in Germany.

Image credit: GDKE RLP, Landesarchäologie Koblenz

[SunkenCiv]

The rest of the crisis of the 3rd century keyword, sorted:

• Elagabalus: the cross-dressing religious fanatic who became emperor of Rome [11/26/2023]
• Currency and the Collapse of the Roman Empire [04/28/2023]
• Gold coin proves 'fake' Roman emperor was real [11/27/2022]
• Collapse of Civilization: Lessons Voters Might Take From Roman Britain [11/02/2022]
• Climate change in antiquity: mass emigration due to water scarcity [07/18/2022]
• Does the American State Deserve Collapse? [07/11/2022]
• Excavations Reveal Huge Underground City in Turkey's Mardin (2nd/3rd Century Christian Hiding Place) [04/25/2022]
• Foraging badger inadvertently uncovers a hoard of more than 200 Roman coins dating back to the 3rd century in a Spanish cave [01/10/2022]
• Massive hoard of Roman-era silver coins unearthed in Germany [11/19/2021]
• When Septimus Severus Invaded Scotland | Britain's African Emperor [3rd c AD] [05/17/2020]
• 'First tartan' on Roman statue [02/10/2013]
• 3,000 Roman 3rd Century coins found in Montgomery field [07/28/2011]
• (June 21st, 2011) Roman camp that housed refugees fleeing Scottish unrest discovered near Hadrian's [06/21/2011]
• Third-century Roman sculptures discovered [02/10/2011]
• Why Did Rome Fall -- And Why Does It Matter Now? [Victor Davis Hanson] [02/12/2010]
• Ancient people also complained about exorbitant taxes [08/11/2009]
• How Excessive Government Killed Ancient Rome (Barack "Robin Hood" Obama should read this) [10/18/2008]
• A Cemetery of Secrets (Headless Roman graveyard has been dug up in York) [03/26/2006]
• Borders Folks May Be Descended From Africans (Hadrian's Wall) [06/13/2004]
• The Fall of the Roman Empire Revisited: Sidonius Apollinaris and His Crisis of Identity [02/01/2003]

[SunkenCiv]

[DannyTN]

Didn’t have the gall to post pictures of the gallic coins?

[SunkenCiv]

:^) They’re all Roman coins, but the Gallic Empire was one of the schismatic sub-empires that were concurrent and came and went during the Crisis of the Third Century. :^) My favorite minor emperor of that period is probably still Carausius.

[No name given]

Interesting.

[ComputerGuy]

Looks like a crown of thorns.

[conserv8]

“Looks like a crown of thorns.”

(Canst thou pierce his head . . .)

[telescope115]

I went to a coin show a few years ago and purchased a Roman coin from that period, honoring the Emperor Marcus Cassianus Latinius Postumus, or just “Postamus”. It looks just like the ones in the photo. I wanted something “ancient” for my meager coin collection, and it was certainly affordable, lol.

His story didn’t end well.

https://www.worldhistory.org/Postumus/

[Red Badger]

Of all the Gall!..................

[DannyTN]

So they were schiso.

I have a sudden urge t o bury coins.

For the future.

[SunkenCiv]

It's likely that coin hoards were kept buried all the time, and excavated when needed, so that only the owner/holder/vendor knew where the money was. When the (usually) guy croaked, the secret often died with him. This guess is based on the fact that very large hoards are found in more or less intact jars, while smaller ones had evidently been buried in less durable material such as cloth or leather bags.

[SunkenCiv]

One off day was all it took to get offed back then. ;^)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postumus

[DannyTN]

This is where treasure maps are important.
They are a critical part of estate planning.

Chat GPT on Treasure Maps
I've buried a fortune. And I want to leave a treasure map for my descendants. What's important in constructing a treasure map?

ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Creating a treasure map can be a fun and imaginative project! Here are some important elements to consider:

Clarity: Make sure the map is easy to understand. Use clear symbols and labels.

1. Landmarks: Include recognizable landmarks (trees, rocks, buildings) to help guide the treasure hunters.
2. Scale: Decide on a scale to show distances accurately. This can help descendants gauge how far they need to travel.
3. Directions: Indicate cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) to help orient the map.
4. Legend/Key: Create a legend that explains any symbols or colors used on the map.
5. Hidden Clues: Consider embedding clues or riddles that lead to the treasure, adding an element of adventure.
6. Aesthetic: Make the map visually appealing. You might use aged paper, draw artistic borders, or add illustrations.
7. Story: Include a brief history or story about the treasure to make it more meaningful.
8. Safety: Ensure the location is safe and accessible for your descendants.
9. Instructions: Consider including tips or instructions for searching.

These elements will make your treasure map both functional and exciting!

You said:
But I only want my descendants to be able to interpret the map. What's the best way to ensure that?

ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
To create a treasure map that only your descendants can interpret, consider these strategies:

• Personal Symbols: Develop a unique set of symbols or codes that only your family understands. You could base these on inside jokes or family history.
• Family Language: Use a specific language, dialect, or slang that your family knows but outsiders may not.
• Hidden Clues: Incorporate hidden messages or clues that require knowledge of family history or shared experiences to decipher.
• Custom Riddles: Create riddles or puzzles based on family lore, events, or significant memories that only your descendants would know.
• Code Key: Include a key or legend that seems innocuous but contains references only your family would understand.
• Narrative Elements: Write a short narrative or poem that references family stories or characteristics that are meaningful to your descendants.
• Personalization: Use specific names, places, or dates relevant to your family to make it less accessible to outsiders.
• Secrecy: If you have multiple descendants, consider giving the map to one trusted family member who can pass it down selectively.

  These methods will create a sense of exclusivity and keep the treasure hunt within the family!

[telescope115]

Yup, lol.

[DannyTN]

Now I need to send these Treasure map instructions back in time.

By putting these lost coin hoards to work across the centuries, I plan to dramatically change the world.

If you have the equivalent or $100 in the 3rd century, and that’s invested at just 2% for 1700 years. That’s worth
Fv = pv * (1 + i)^n
fv=$100*(1+0.02)^1700
=41,714,975,731,426,000.00
S0 $41 Quadrillion.

All your stock market are belong to me!!!!

[DannyTN]

So now I just need a time machine.

I need to convice Elon to focus his efforts on a time machine.

But what if Elon figures out my scheme and steals it. He would become the richest person in the world.

HEY!!!