How to Identify Roman Coins with Metal Detecting

Metal detecting is a fascinating hobby that has captivated people worldwide for decades. The thrill of discovering objects buried in the ground, often with rich historical significance, is unparalleled. One of the most exciting types of finds for many metal detecting enthusiasts is the discovery of Roman coins. These coins not only represent a tangible connection to the past, but they also offer an opportunity to gain insight into the daily life, politics, and economics of one of history's most influential civilizations.

In this article, we will explore how to identify Roman coins with metal detecting, covering the basics of Roman coinage, tips for detecting them, methods for identifying and classifying these ancient coins, and how to preserve them once found.

Understanding Roman Coins

Before heading out with your metal detector, it's important to have a foundational understanding of Roman coinage. The Romans minted coins for over a millennium, and they come in various denominations, materials, and designs. Roman coins are often categorized into two main types: Republican (before 27 BCE) and Imperial (after 27 BCE). Both types have distinct characteristics that can help with identification.

Key Features of Roman Coins

• Material: Roman coins were made from a variety of materials, including bronze, silver, gold, and occasionally electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver).
• Size: The size of Roman coins varied widely depending on their denomination and period. Coins could range from small, thin bronze pieces to large gold aurei.
• Design: The designs on Roman coins often featured emperors, gods, mythological figures, or symbols of power. Obverses (front) typically depicted portraits, while reverses (back) showed symbols, gods, or scenes related to Roman life and achievements.
• Mint Marks: Many Roman coins featured mint marks or inscriptions indicating where they were produced, helping to date and authenticate them.

Common Roman Coin Denominations

• As: A small bronze coin used throughout the Republic and early Empire.
• Denarius: A silver coin that became the primary currency of the Roman Empire during the Republic and early Empire.
• Aureus: A gold coin used mainly during the Imperial period.
• Sestertius: A large bronze coin often used for commemorating important events and individuals.
• Antoninianus: A silver coin introduced in the 3rd century that often featured debased metal content.

Metal Detecting for Roman Coins

Finding Roman coins with a metal detector requires knowledge of where to search, understanding the behavior of your detector, and having a good eye for recognizing potential targets in the field. The following tips will help you maximize your chances of finding Roman coins and identifying them correctly.

1. Research Potential Sites

One of the most important aspects of metal detecting for Roman coins is choosing the right location. Roman coins are often found in places where ancient Romans lived, worked, or fought. Look for the following types of sites:

• Roman Roads and Trade Routes: Romans built an extensive network of roads, and these roads were crucial for transporting goods and troops. Coins often end up in these areas due to wear and tear, loss, or discard by travelers and soldiers.
• Ancient Villas and Settlements: The ruins of Roman villas or urban settlements can be hotspots for coin finds. These places were centers of daily life, and people frequently lost or discarded coins.
• Battlefields: Areas where significant battles were fought, particularly those from the Roman period, often yield coins that were dropped by soldiers or civilians.
• Tomb or Burial Sites: Romans frequently buried their dead with coins for various ceremonial or symbolic reasons. You may find coins in or around ancient tombs, though this is a more challenging and often legally restricted type of site.
• Riverbanks and Flooded Areas: Coins often end up in bodies of water after being lost or thrown away, especially near areas of commerce or transportation.

2. Set Your Metal Detector Correctly

Each metal detector is different, and understanding how to use it effectively is key to identifying Roman coins. Set your detector to the appropriate sensitivity level for detecting metallic objects at a range of depths. Roman coins, depending on the material, size, and depth, may give varying signals, so learning to differentiate between signals is important.

• Frequency: Use a higher frequency for detecting smaller or thinner coins, especially those made of bronze or silver. Roman coins made of these metals may emit weaker signals compared to larger gold coins.
• Discrimination Settings: Set your detector to discriminate between different types of metal. Roman coins are often made of bronze, silver, or gold, which can be distinguished from other types of metals that may be found in the ground.
• Ground Balance: Be sure to balance your detector to the ground minerals to avoid false readings, particularly in areas with high mineralization.

3. Patience and Persistence

Roman coins, especially older ones, are not always easy to find. Metal detecting requires patience, as signals may sometimes lead to junk or modern coins. However, sticking to known Roman-era sites and carefully following up on good signals can result in finding valuable coins.

Identifying Roman Coins

Once you've found a coin with your metal detector, the next challenge is identifying it accurately. Roman coins often exhibit significant wear due to their age and the passage of time, so identification may require careful examination. Here's how you can go about identifying Roman coins:

1. Examine the Coin's Obverse and Reverse

• Obverse (Front): The obverse typically features the portrait of an emperor or deity. The face may be wearing a crown or laurel wreath, or it may feature specific symbols, such as a radiate crown for a god.
• Reverse (Back): The reverse often shows a symbol or scene, such as a Roman god, a military victory, or a public building. Pay close attention to the design and its features, as these can provide clues about the coin's origin and age.

Look for any inscriptions around the edges of the coin. Roman coins often feature Latin inscriptions indicating the emperor's name, titles, or important events.

2. Look for Mint Marks and Dates

Mint marks, inscriptions, and dates can help pinpoint the origin and era of a Roman coin. While not all Roman coins have mint marks, many do, and they are often located near the bottom edge of the coin.

• Mint Marks: Some coins were minted in specific cities or regions, and these marks can help you narrow down where the coin was produced.
• Inscriptions and Dates: If readable, inscriptions on the coin can provide clues to the emperor who issued the coin and the period during which it was minted.

3. Consider the Material and Size

The material of the coin (bronze, silver, or gold) can tell you a lot about its value and its time period. For example, silver denarii were common during the Roman Empire's height, while the use of gold aureus coins became more prominent during the Imperial period.

Additionally, the size and weight of the coin can provide further insights. Roman coins range from very small bronze pieces to large gold aureus coins, and the size and shape of the coin can help you determine its denomination.

4. Use Online Resources and Books

There are several online databases and books dedicated to Roman numismatics (the study of coins). Websites like Coins of the Roman Empire , The British Museum's Online Collection , and NumisWiki offer images, descriptions, and guides to identifying Roman coins.

Books like "Roman Coins and Their Values" by David R. Sear and "The Handbook of Roman Imperial Coins" by George S. Miles are invaluable resources for anyone interested in Roman coin identification.

Cleaning and Preserving Roman Coins

Once you've successfully identified a Roman coin, it's important to clean and preserve it properly. Ancient coins, especially those found through metal detecting, are often corroded, dirty, or covered in patina. However, improper cleaning can damage a coin irreparably.

1. Cleaning

• Gentle Cleaning: Use distilled water and a soft brush to remove any dirt or loose debris. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage the surface of the coin.
• Avoid Cleaning with Abrasive Tools: Don't use scrubbing pads, wire brushes, or knives to remove dirt. These can leave scratches that lower the coin's value.
• For Stubborn Dirt: Soak the coin in olive oil for several weeks if the dirt is stubborn. This will soften any encrustations, making it easier to remove without damaging the coin.

2. Preserving

• Store Coins in Soft Holders: To prevent further damage, store your Roman coins in a soft, acid-free holder or capsule. Avoid touching the coins with your bare hands as oils from your fingers can damage the surface.
• Avoid Storing in Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to light can cause the coin's color and patina to fade.
• Consider Professional Conservation: If you have a particularly rare or valuable Roman coin, consider having it professionally cleaned and conserved by a numismatic expert.

Conclusion

Identifying Roman coins with metal detecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby that can connect you with history in a very tangible way. Whether you are a seasoned detectorist or a beginner, understanding the basics of Roman coinage, knowing where to look, and learning how to properly clean and preserve your finds are key steps to success. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you may uncover coins that have survived for thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the world of ancient Rome. Happy detecting!

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