Excavations near Autun, France, led to the discovery of an ancient district made up of shops and homes wealthy.
During the last weeks of searching, archaeologists have also discovered a large deposit of coins in Roman times.
Buried in a hole sealed with tile, there were about 100,000 Roman coins dating from the late third century AD It is very small bronze coins, each heavy approximately 0, 4 ounces, for a total of about 38 kg.
are examples of "unofficial", as indeed was widespread during this period was very troubled that the second half of the third century. At that time the Roman Empire was hit by a series of dire crisis: the wars between pretenders to the throne, epidemics, financial and political weight of the army, the pressure at the border, the economic crisis, etc..
The state could not fully guarantee the continuity and control of the monetary system. Then began to appear bronze coin of little value, that we call "money of necessity" even though produced by individuals, were more or less tolerated by the state. Mimicked low emissions officers and effigies were difficult to identify.
coins found at Autun resemble those typical of the third century, such as those made coin under the Emperor Tetricus.
The high content of copper in the coins has also allowed the wicker basket, in which the pieces were preserved, partly to preserve itself.
Although you may have some value, the coins were probably buried treasure, but a repository of discarded pieces to be recovered. The pit was not the case in a foundry.
To restore a sound monetary economics, Emperors had initiated reforms and tried to replace the old coins that had no other value that it was not that of their metal.
The deposit of coins in Autun may be related to the reforms of Diocletian during Tetrarchy (late third century รข € "beginning of IV).
source http://www.antikitera.net/news.asp?id=9609&T = 2
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