Roman Coins from York

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis and overview of some three thousand Roman coins recovered through scientific modern excavation, undertaken over more than half a century by the York Archaeological Trust and others, at a total of more than 90 locations within York and its near vicinity. It represents an important element of an on-going programme of publication and re-assessment by the author of coinage from major sites along the line of Dere Street, including Aldborough (published in volume 91 of this journal), Catterick, Piercebridge, Binchester and Corbridge.

Keywords:

• Roman York
• Roman coins
• Dere Street
• Roman forts/fortresses
• Roman towns/coloniae

Acknowledgements

I would like to record my gratitude to the York Archaeological Trust (YAT) for funding the cataloguing stage of this project; and for agreeing to make available the data via the Trust’s website. Particular mention must be made of Christine McDonnell and Rebecca Sampson, for their help during the publication phase of the project; but thanks are also due to the staff of their conservation department, especially Julie Jones, whose work made the task of cataloguing so much easier. I would also like to thank the staff of the Yorkshire Museum for arranging access to YAT material and also to their wider collections (including the Heslington Hoard), especially Dr. Melinda Mays, Curator of Numismatics at the time of cataloguing (for her time, patience, and List 5.1); and Dr. Andrew Woods, current Curator of Numismatics (for List 5.6). I am also grateful to Phil Clogg, Jenny Jones (both then of Durham University) and Dr. David Dungworth for the provision of XRF analyses of Severan counterfeits. Particular thanks are due to Dr Patrick Ottaway and Lesley Collett for providing two excellent plans without charge (Figures 1 and 2). Lastly, I must thank those who have encouraged me in the production of this paper and also commented upon drafts, most especially Dr. Pete Wilson, Prof. Martin Millett, Dr. Patrick Ottaway and Dr. Richard Reece.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard Brickstock

Richard Brickstock worked at the Universities of Durham and Leeds from 1984 to 2013 as a researcher and lecturer and as the Curator of Durham Castle Museum. He is now a freelance numismatic researcher.