Researchers from the National Institute for Preventative Archaeological Research (INRAP) have made a significant archaeological discovery by unearthing three massive coin hoards in the village of Senon, France. During excavations for a future residential site, thousands of ancient Roman coins—totaling 40,000—were found inside ceramic vessels known as amphorae, as confirmed by INRAP.
Planned Storage, Not Panic Hiding
The coins appear to have been buried in a deliberate manner and date to the late 3rd and early 4th centuries CE. This suggests a more advanced method of storing money, rather than simply hiding it in times of crisis. The discovery provides clear insights into how the Gallic people lived and managed their finances during a period of great upheaval at the northern edge of the Roman Empire.
Excavations in Senon
According to a study by the Coin Hoards of the Roman Empire, excavations in Senon, located in northeastern France, uncovered coin deposits that were a key component of the layout of ancient houses. These amphorae containing coins were placed in pits beneath house floors, at ground level for easy access. Numismatists found coins lodged against the rims of the amphorae, indicating they were used for repeated deposits and withdrawals rather than being a single emergency hoard. The coins are made of bronze and copper and date to the reigns of Victorinus, Tetricus I, and Tetricus II.
Household Savings of Late Antiquity
Before this research, historians often assumed that such large coin hoards represented treasures hidden due to war or insecurity. However, the organized nature of the storage—including the use of packing stones and the placement of amphorae within typical homes—suggests they were designed as long-term savings accounts for merchants or craftspeople.
The site was once an active Roman residential neighborhood, defined by two intersecting streets and multiple domestic structures. Its decline began after a serious fire in the 4th century CE. Subsequent abandonment left the coin deposits undisturbed, allowing archaeologists to study a preserved snapshot of complex economic relationships and financial development in Late Antique communities outside large urban areas.
Evidence of Ancient Financial Activity
Researchers found evidence of a system for managing long-term capital using three amphorae carefully placed vertically in storage pits with stone packing. These jars were still used for deposits and withdrawals even when only partially buried. Coins sticking to the exterior surfaces indicate ongoing transactions after their initial placement. This leads to the conclusion that the site served as a household bank, likely used by merchants or administrators handling large sums of money.
