The coin deposition patterns in the Oliver's Orchard Hoards are reflective of the wider economic trends in the Roman world. The Gallic Empire established a relatively valuable coinage and was able to exclude the severely debased central empire coinage issued between 260 and 268. As the Gallic coinage became less valuable between 268 and 274, contemporary Roman coins began to circulate more in Gallic Britain.

The initial question of whether the Gallic Empire was based on an economic response cannot be answered solely through this study. There are indications that the Gallic Empire was partly an economic response, but the data presented here is too limited. A much larger sample of coin hoards, like that used in King's article "The Circulation of Coin in the Western Provinces" needs to be looked at, but with a more detailed chronology. Furthermore, the coinage patterns need to be tied more firmly to the admittedly shallow historical record. Either way, by looking just at the Oliver's Orchard Hoards, we can illuminate interesting stylistic and economic patterns within the Gallic Empire.

Burnett, A. M. and R.F. Bland. "Coin Hoards From Roman Britain Volume VI." (British Museum, 1986).

Grant, Michael. The Collapse and Recovery of the Roman Empire (New York: Routledge, 1999).

Sinnigen, Willian G. and Arthur E.R. Boak. A History of Rome (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1977).

Webb, Percy H. "The Gallic Empire" in Atlas of the Ancient Coins Struck by the Emperors of the Gallic Empire (Chicago: Ares Publishers, 1976), pp. 1-4.

Created by Michael Freedman-Schnapp
A project for ARTH 491: Roman Art
University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia.
Last updated April 25, 2001.