Cashing in with the Ancient Britons: coinage in Iron Age, Roman and early Medieval Britain - four online talks by Dr Sam Moorhead FSA

If you wish to register for this series after 11-Sept-25, please e-mail onlinetalks@martinrandall.co.uk

Coins first arrived in Britain in the Iron Age, as early as the 4th or 3rd centuries BC and started to be produced there in the 2nd century BC. With the arrival of the Romans in Gaul (under Julius Caesar, 50s BC) and then Britain (under Claudius, AD 43), Roman coins started to enter the Province in increasing numbers. Certain coins struck in Rome bore types (designs) which referred directly to Britain. From soon after the Claudian conquest, many copies were made in Britain, a phenomenon that lasted until the end of Roman occupation. Furthermore, for brief periods in the late 3rd and 4th centuries, coins were struck at London and one or more other mints.

In the 5th century, after the collapse of Roman Britain, coin use markedly declined. However, recent discoveries are providing more information about the nature of coin use in ‘Dark Age’ Britain. This series will explore the coin circulated in Britain in the ancient period and also show how recent Treasure Hoards and single finds recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (finds.org.uk) are increasingly helping broader archaeological and historical research.

They take place on Thursday 11 September and then for three consecutive Tuesdays until 30 September at 4.30pm (London) and, including Q&A, will last just under an hour. They are available for viewing for eight weeks after the last episode is streamed (until 25 November 2025).