Seaton Down Hoard coin, copy of a nummus of Helena
A copy of a nummus, one of 2 similar coins from the Seaton Down Hoard. It was made around AD 335-340 and is probably an unofficial copy of a coin of Helena.
This particular coin is a copy of a one issued on behalf of Helena (Constantine I’s mother) and marks the PAX PUBLICA, general peace.
Imitations of nummi were commonplace during the 4th Century AD and, as they were of relatively low value coins, people seemed happy to use them. They can usually be identified by their reduced size or weight, some being much smaller and lighter than the officially minted coins. Alternatively, it may be due to different manufacturing processes, such as being cast as opposed to struck, or due to their much more crude images or finishes. In some cases such coins may have the incorrect pairing of obverse and reverse images. Some of the most frequently copied reverse images are those of the period AD 330-341.
RAMM acquired the Seaton Down hoard with help from a generous donation by Patrick and Sally Long, Clinton Devon Estates, Thomson Reuters, Devon County Council and many members of the public. Patrick and Sally Long were particularly keen that the coins are preserved for inspiration and wonder of children.
The conservation and display of the hoard and a project to engage with East Devon schools and communities was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with further public donations.
This particular coin is a copy of a one issued on behalf of Helena (Constantine I’s mother) and marks the PAX PUBLICA, general peace.
Imitations of nummi were commonplace during the 4th Century AD and, as they were of relatively low value coins, people seemed happy to use them. They can usually be identified by their reduced size or weight, some being much smaller and lighter than the officially minted coins. Alternatively, it may be due to different manufacturing processes, such as being cast as opposed to struck, or due to their much more crude images or finishes. In some cases such coins may have the incorrect pairing of obverse and reverse images. Some of the most frequently copied reverse images are those of the period AD 330-341.
RAMM acquired the Seaton Down hoard with help from a generous donation by Patrick and Sally Long, Clinton Devon Estates, Thomson Reuters, Devon County Council and many members of the public. Patrick and Sally Long were particularly keen that the coins are preserved for inspiration and wonder of children.
The conservation and display of the hoard and a project to engage with East Devon schools and communities was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with further public donations.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 20/2016/1058/1
- Collection Class
- Devon archaeology
- Collection Area Region
- Northern Europe
- Collector Excavator
- Alex Farnell, AC Archaeology
- Material
- copper alloy
- Common Name
- Seaton Down Hoard coin, copy of a nummus of Helena
- Simple Name
- coin
- Inscription Transcription
- ; PAX PVBLICA
- Period Classification
- Roman (43-410)
- Production Year Low
- 335
- Production Year High
- 340
