What to do first if you find a Roman coin in the UK
Roman coins are among the most common archaeological finds in Britain, turning up in fields, gardens and on metal-detecting outings. If you have one, the sensible first steps are:
- Do not clean it. Leave the soil and patina in place. Cleaning can damage the surface and hide evidence that archaeologists value.
- Note where it was found. Write down the location as precisely as you can, ideally with a grid reference or a GPS pin, plus the depth and date.
- Photograph both sides in good light, ideally with a scale.
- Handle it gently and store it in a small box or bag, padded and dry.
- Check the reporting rules before you do anything else with it (see below).
Reporting finds: the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure Act
In England and Wales, the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is a voluntary program that records archaeological objects found by the public. It is run through local Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs) who can identify finds and record them on a public database. Recording is encouraged for most finds even where it is not legally required.
The Treasure Act 1996 sets out when a find must be reported to the coroner. The details are technical and have been revised, so confirm the current definition with the PAS or a Finds Liaison Officer. In general terms, coin finds can qualify as treasure when there are multiple coins from the same find, they are at least 300 years old, and they contain a significant precious-metal content (gold or silver). A group of base-metal coins may also qualify if enough are found together. A single bronze coin is typically not treasure, although a 2023 change added a category for some objects over 200 years old that are of exceptional historical significance.
Practical points to bear in mind:
- Finds that may be treasure must be reported to the coroner within a set time, usually 14 days of realizing it might be treasure. Ask an FLO for guidance.
- Scotland works differently, with its own system (Treasure Trove) administered through the Treasure Trove Unit. Northern Ireland has separate rules again.
- You need the landowner’s permission to search on land, and the finder and landowner commonly agree how any reward is shared. Searching on protected sites such as scheduled monuments is generally illegal without consent.
This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, contact your local FLO or the relevant authority.
Identify your Roman coin step by step
Once your coin is safely recorded or photographed, you can start identifying it. Our detailed Roman coin identifier guide covers the process in depth. In summary:
- Obverse: Look for the portrait and headgear. A radiate crown, for instance, often points to a third-century issue.
- Legend: Read any letters, such as IMP, CAES or AVG, that identify the emperor.
- Reverse: Note the figure or scene, plus any letters in the field or at the bottom (exergue).
- Size and metal: Many British finds are small bronzes, though silver denarii turn up too.
- Catalog match: Search the Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE) database, or ask an FLO to confirm.
Roman coins that commonly turn up in Britain
Roman rule in Britain began in AD 43 and lasted into the early fifth century, so finds span a long period. Collectors and finders frequently report:
- Silver denarii from the first and second centuries.
- Radiate “antoniniani” from the third century, sometimes in large hoards.
- Small bronze nummi of the fourth century, which are often the most abundant finds.
- Copper-alloy sestertii and asses from the earlier empire, less common but notable.
Coins of the late third century, including those of the so-called British empire of Carausius and Allectus, are of particular local interest, although you should not assume any given find belongs to this group without checking a reference. The most common finds are usually not individually valuable.
Are Roman coins worth anything in the UK?
Most Roman coins found in the UK are common types in worn condition and worth a modest amount, often from a few pounds to perhaps tens of pounds. A few types or well-preserved examples can be worth much more, and gold coins and silver hoards can be very valuable. Value comes from:
- Rarity of the emperor or reverse type
- Condition and legibility
- Metal content
- Documented findspot, which can matter to collectors
The most sought-after Roman coins are typically gold aurei, especially rare portraits or historically famous types. Rarity and condition drive price, so a headline figure for one coin says little about what an ordinary find might fetch. For context on well-known historic types and their prices, see our overview of Roman coins from the time of Jesus.
Spotting fakes and altered coins
Forgeries of Roman coins exist, both ancient forgeries and modern copies. Warning signs include an unusual weight, a soft or “bubbly” cast surface, tool marks, or a design that does not match catalog images. If you intend to sell, ask an expert or reputable dealer for an opinion. A Finds Liaison Officer can often tell you if a find is genuine, though they do not give monetary valuations.
Where to get help
- Your local Finds Liaison Officer through the PAS.
- Local museums with archaeology curators.
- Numismatic societies and metal-detecting clubs.
- Reputable dealers and auction houses for valuation.
Can I sell or keep a Roman coin found in the UK?
If a find is not treasure, ownership generally rests with the finder and landowner under the agreement between them, but you should confirm the position before selling. Always keep the findspot record with the coin, since documented provenance adds interest and often value. Never sell a find that might qualify as treasure without first reporting it.