Ancient "Piggy Banks" in France Yield an Estimated 40,000 Roman Coins

Archaeologists in Senon, northeastern France, have uncovered three buried storage jars—amphorae—containing thousands of Roman coins dating to roughly A.D. 280–310, the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) reported. The vessels were placed in what had been the living-room floor of a house and appear to have been used as long-term personal savings containers.

What Was Found

INRAP's team recovered metal from two of the jars and the imprint of a third. Based on the weight of the metal and counted pieces recovered from a broken neck, researchers estimate the three containers together held more than 40,000 coins.

Weighing the Hoard

The first jar produced about 83 lb (38 kg) of metal, which numismatist Vincent Geneviève estimates equals approximately 23,000–24,000 coins. The second jar yielded roughly 100 lb (50 kg) of metal plus about 400 loose coins recovered from its broken neck, an amount INRAP estimates at about 18,000–19,000 coins. The third jar itself was not intact; only its impression remained in the soil, and excavators found just three coins linked to that container.

Dating and Historical Context

Numismatists date the coins to between A.D. 280 and 310. Many pieces were struck under emperors Victorinus, Tetricus I and Tetricus II—rulers associated with the breakaway Gallic Empire. These dates and manufacturers help archaeologists place the deposit in a specific historical window at the end of the 3rd century and start of the 4th century.

INRAP: "Contrary to what one might think at first glance, it is not certain that these are 'treasures' that were hidden during a period of insecurity."

Interpretation

INRAP researchers note that in at least two cases a few coins were found stuck to the jar rims, indicating those coins were deposited after the jars were already in the ground but before the pits were filled with sediment. Because the amphorae remained at ground level and were accessible, specialists suggest they functioned as long-term savings—more like piggy banks—rather than hurried wartime caches.

Significance

The find sheds light on everyday financial practices in late Roman Gaul and provides a substantial archaeological sample for studying coin circulation, metallurgy and local behaviors during the Gallic Empire era. Further study of the coins and context may refine dating and help reconstruct the socioeconomic circumstances of the deposit.

Source: INRAP and Live Science