Second South Warwickshire Denarii Hoard - Resources

An introduction to local history

In 2015, 440 Roman silver coins were uncovered in Warwickshire, hidden inside a ceramic pot. These coins date back as far as 147 BC and up to AD 70, making them a fascinating piece of Roman history. They may have been used for trade, paying soldiers and other everyday transactions.

This hoard in particular is rare because it includes coins from a turbulent time in Roman history, the civil war period of AD 69, also known as the year of the four emperors. By studying them, we can draw out important stories about the past as they give us a window of insight into this chaotic period as well as how the Romans may have influenced local communities.

Once discovered, the coins were sent for professional cleaning and conservation by ICON (The Institute of Conservation). This careful work is vital in preserving the history that these coins represent, allowing people today to study and appreciate them, while keeping them safe for future generations. After careful preservation, the local community raised £62,000 to buy the hoard back from the British Museum and return it to the local area.

Coins from the second South Warwickshire Denarii coin hoard - image from ICONLink opens in a new window

Today, the hoard is displayed at the Market Hall Museum in Warwick, where visitors can get a close look at these ancient coins and learn about Roman Britain. The journey of these coins, from their discovery, to cleaning, to fundraising, and finally back to Warwick, shows the everlasting connection between the past and the present, helping us increase our understanding of the history of Britain during the Roman Empire. Seeing the coins in person allows people to connect with history in a way that books and online resources cannot. These objects are a valuable teaching tool, sparking interest in Roman Britain and encouraging people to explore our history further.

With the coin hoard finally being displayed in the museum, it reflects the ongoing process of uncovering and understanding history. Just like these coins, history is constantly being rediscovered and reinterpreted by historians and archaeologists. This journey allows us to keep connecting with the past, bringing new insights into how we understanding our world today.

The coin hoard is a perfect example of the importance of preserving local history and ensuring that it is accessible to everyone.