Roman Coin Set 2 - The Romans in Britain

Product Description: These reproduction Denarius of Vespasian and Aureus of Domitian are moulded directly from original coins and are made from pewter. The gold aureus is 22ct gold plated. The pamphlet style packaging has holes on the front in which the coins are held in clear blisters. The coin pack has an image of a Roman mosaic on the front and further Roman images inside. The pack includes information about the coins and their history. On the back, there is information about how coins were used as newspapers and there is a time chart.

Information: 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 and conquered 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 achievement 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 his 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.

Domitian, younger son of Vespasian, continued his father’s 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 at the time.

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.