Vincent APRUZZESE THE STRANGE COIN HOARD FOUND IN THE VILLA OF LE MÉNIL AT GRISY-SUISNES (SEINE-ET-MARNE): a Hoard Dating to the Trajan Period in a 3rd Century Purse

Abstract

A total of 42 large and medium bronze coins dating to the Early Roman period were found on the Ménil villa at Grisy-Suisnes. Wear-use analysis and the period of circulation of the coins were to determine that they were probably contained in a purse hidden around 250-260. The hoard includes a collection of earlier coins dating to Trajan, 17 asses and dupondii dating to the 1st century, most having been minted during the reign of Nero. Of little value, the origin and function of this small anachronistic assemblage is troubling: could this be a foundation deposit to which was added a series of coins of affective or numismatic value?

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