Roman Britain / Learning resources
Objects and inscriptions
Investigate a Roman coin
Read a coin as an object, a means of payment and a message about authority.
Start here
Open Berlin’s museum record for the London-minted coin of Carausius. Use its identification and photographs rather than an unlabelled search image. A ruler’s portrait, names and chosen imagery can all be evidence.
Try the activity
- Draw the two sides in rough outline, marking portrait, letters and other images.
- Copy a short group of letters exactly. Use the catalogue to identify names or titles; a full translation is not required.
- Record the material, approximate date and mint supplied by the museum. Keep these catalogued facts separate from your own observations.
- Write a display label explaining why an imperial claimant might issue money in his own name.
Discuss and check
- Who chose the image: the receiver or the issuing authority?
- Does finding a coin prove that its ruler visited that place?
- How could wear make identification harder?
Review your work
Compare the coin’s claim with the Carausius profile. A coin provides evidence for an official message, not proof that everybody accepted or read it. Explain which detail on the object best supports your label and what you would need to know before making a wider claim about its circulation.
Sources and further reading
Romans in Britain · People · Places · Learning resources