https://www.dw.com/en/roman-coins-unearthed-germany/a-79379127 I thought I’d never post in this forum :-D
"More than 934 silver denarii, weighing 3.1 kilograms, were recovered. Although the hoard was buried during the reign of Hadrian (AD 117-138), most coins date to the Flavian emperors (AD 69-96) with the oldest coin minted in 148 BCE (in middle of picture below). The latest coin is AD 124/125." It is interesting to see the hoard span several centuries, including a Julius Caesar "elephant denarius" 49 BCE (upper right), a Marc Anthony legionary denarius AD 32-31 BCE (mid-left), and, center left, a Vespasian denarius AD 74-79. Sensational Roman Coin Treasure | LVR Archaeological Monument Preservation Man's metal detector wouldn't stop beeping, leading to record-breaking trove of ancient Roman coins - CBS News
Interesting indeed!!! Although it provides no concrete/definitive answer to the fascinating (to me, anyway) question of how long coins remained in circulation at the time, it does imply a longer rather than shorter duration. One could arguably presume a duration beyond a half-century. There is evidence that Hasmonean bronze coins circulated for 75+ years. I have a Roman Republic denarius struck in 42 BC that has a countermark of Vespasian which could not have been applied any earlier than 69 AD. If my math is correct that's a span of 110 years -- minimum. The c/m shows evidence of wear, so that would indicate beyond 110. Here is that coin:
Is that the display case? So they shove the coins in a big pile? No collector will ever own even one, these will generate little interest - and at some point these will probably make their way to the museum basement never to be seen again. Even the coin room at the Smithsonian is ill lighted and looks poorly tended. These do not belong in a museum, but there they will stay - a tragedy. I remember going to the Met in NYC and looking at some of the coins - Syracuse silver in stellar condition? Nope some nice ones - but not that nice - but also common not so great antoniniani - all thoughtlessly thrown together - what's the point?
Interesting - I have always found US nickels to be interesting since older ones are not that hard to find - even ones that go back to the 1950's - 1960's are down right common. I have not looked for any before that but since nickels are unchanged and there is little in interest in collecting these for some reason. These could conceivably be circulating for quite some time - if they stay in circulation that is..probably not 110 years but who knows?
