Roman Coin Pack - The Romans in Britain

Product History

Denarius of Vespasian 69-79AD - Vespasian served as a legate to the second Legion Augusta during the campaign in Britain of the Emperor Claudius in AD43 and later. Charged with the conquest of South West Britain, he pushed west conquering the Isle of Wight and such warlike tribes as the Durotriges of Dorset in their well fortified hill-forts of Maiden Castle and Hod Hill. By AD51 the achievements of Vespasian had caused him to be elected consul at Rome and won him the respect of the army, so much so that in AD69 he was proclaimed emperor by the troops in Egypt. It was under his rule that the Romans conquered Wales and established legionary fortresses at Caerleon, Chester and York. Our coin is a Silver Denarius, the reverse showing Vespasian's sons, Domitian and Titus.

Aureus of Domition 81-96AD - Domitian, younger son of Vespasian, continued his fathers policy of attempting to conquer the whole of Britain. Agricola, Governor at the time, led the Roman army at least as far north as Inverness. The coin, a gold aureus, shows a cornucopia (horn of plenty) reflecting the prosperity of the time.

Roman Coins as Newspapers - Roman coins were not just a means of paying for goods. The reverse of the coins were used to communicate great events. Alternatively, the reverse was used to promote the image and status of the emperor to his people. For example the emperor may have depicted a god that had attributes with which he wished to be associated. The coins were circulated throughout the empire bringing news, perhaps of events that had taken place far away.

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