Late 3rd century Roman coin hoard: Treasure Case 2016 T753

This hoard of Romano-British coins dates from the late third century, a tumultuous time during which the empire split into three separate entities.

A metal detectorist unearthed the coins in the Stoke Lyne area of north Oxfordshire. They may have been buried for safe keeping or for votive reasons.

Likenesses of several emperors feature on the obverse of the coins, with accompanying symbolism on the reverse. Among the emperors are Postumus (260-69), whose reverse features a bow, club and quiver, linking him to the god Hercules, and Gallienus (253-68), whose reverse shows Pegasus, referencing the sun god Sol.

The coins now join the numismatics collection at Oxfordshire Museum Service, where they make an important contribution to the story of Roman activity in the area.