Production Of Coins Research Articles

Les écus de Louis XV et de Louis XVI à la lumière du trésor de Châtelet (Belgique)

Abstract. — The Brussels Coin Cabinet has recently acquired a part of a hoard made of French royal coins which was discovered at Châtelet (in the vicinity of Charleroi, Belgium). Out of 402 coins examined, 393 are ecus of Louis XV and Louis XVI (1726- 1791). In addition to the 4 unpublished varieties, this study sheds a new light on all this production of heavy silver coins. The content of the Châtelet hoard is put side by side with evidence of many other hoards of this kind which have been discovered on the Belgium territory, as well as with works dealing with the volume of these issues. Other comments may be found on the metrology, seldom considered so far, which enables us to follow the development of weight-loss. The investigation of this hoard is supplemented by the study of cuttings, most often designed to mutilate the royal effigy, of traces of adjustment and of other peculiarities.

The Fenny Stratford Hoard

Towards the end of summer 1990, during the course of roadworks at Galley Lane, Fenny Stratford (Roman Magiovinium), just south of Milton Keynes, a local metal 'detectorist' discovered what appeared to be the 'raw materials' for the production of unofficial Roman coins. The find comprised three ceramic vessels containing three groups of material and two iron dies for striking the coins.