Coins discovered at Novae (Svishtov, Bulgaria) in 1977 and 1979 in sector II, area XV

Abstract

The author presented the results of the analysis of coins discovered during archaeological research conducted in Novae in 1977 and 1979. The aim of the article is to determine the chronological and issue structure of the finds and to assess their significance for research on the functioning of the legionary fortress. The author used the numismatic method. He analysed the state of preservation of the coins, their legends, iconography, mints and chronology of issue. A total of 71 coins were discovered, most of which came from the excavation campaign in 1977. The state of preservation of some of the monuments made their full identification impossible, but 34 objects were deciphered. The oldest examples were minted during the reign of Titus (79–81 AD) and the youngest during the reign of Constantius II (337–361 AD). The largest group were coins from the 3rd century: issues of Septimius Severus, Caracalla, Aurelian and Probus. The author established the mints of some of the monuments (Anchialos, Marcianopolis, Nicopolis, Philippopolis, Deultum, Antioch). The analysis shows that the composition of the find reflects the period of greatest flourishing of Novae in the 3rd century AD. and confirms intensive contacts between the fortress and individual provincial centres.