PREVIEW: ANCIENT COINS AND ANTIQUITIES 8 MARCH

In 2019, a metal detectorist searching in Ibberton west of Blandford Forum in Dorset came across a hoard of coins not far below the surface of the soil.
Although no evidence of a container could be found, the Roman Imperial coins had remained together and totalled 393 nummi including fragments dating from AD 317-333.

 

They comprised issues from the reigns of Licinius I and II, Constantine I and II, Crispus, Constans and Constantius II, as well as coins for Helena, Fausta, Theodora, Constantinopolis and Urbs Roma.

They also represented mints across the Empire, including London, Trier, Lugdunum, Arelate, Rome, Ticinum, Aquileia, Siscia, Thessalonica, Heraclea and Cyzicus, as well as other less certain sources.

Reverse images include an altar, inscription in wreath, Victory and captive, standard and captives, camp gate, Securitas standing left, empress with children, soldiers holding two standards, wolf and twins, Victory on prow and others.

The British museum acquired four coins, the remainder were disclaimed as treasure and are offered here for sale as a single lot.

Some have been partially cleaned and the collection is very fine but with uneven patina. It is presented in a binder with plastic sleeves with a numbered list and printed index at the back for each coin. The estimate is £1,500-2,000.