Three large jars hidden under a Gallo-Roman house preserved tens of thousands of coins for nearly 1,800 years, suggesting a domestic savings account rather than a hasty stash.
Ancient Roman coins found under a house
Three large jars buried under the floor of a Gallo-Roman house were discovered in Senon, France, containing tens of thousands of Roman coins. These coins, preserved for nearly 1,800 years, suggest a long-term savings strategy rather than a hasty hiding of wealth.Archaeological team made the find
The Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (Inrap) uncovered the jars during an excavation in Senon, in the Meuse region. The work took place before expanding a house and covered an area of 1,500 square meters.Jars contained vast quantities of coins
The first jar held 38 kilograms of metal, estimated to be between 23,000 and 24,000 coins. A second jar, which had a broken neck, held between 18,000 and 19,000 coins, weighing nearly 50 kilograms. The third jar had been emptied long ago, leaving only three coins behind.Coins date to the 3rd century AD
All the coins date from between 280 and 310 AD. They feature images of emperors Victorinus, Tetradus the father, and his son, who ruled the Gallic Empire in Roman Gaul and Britain during the years 260 to 274.Coins were used in daily commerce
The coins were made of low-value bronze and circulated widely in the markets of the time. Their common use meant that tens of thousands were needed to accumulate significant wealth, highlighting the value of the stash found.Jars were placed for easy access
The placement of the jars suggests they were used as a domestic savings account. They were installed in enclosed pits with openings at ground level, indicating the inhabitants intended to access and replenish the coins over time.
