Rare Roman 'gold' coin returns to the Museum
On 1 July Roger Bland, Head of the Department of Portable Antiquities & Treasure at the British Museum, returned to the Museum to present it with a tiny replica of a rare gold coin minted in Lyon, France, between AD 361-363, bearing the portrait of Emperor Julian, and one of only nine Roman gold coins found in Cornwall.
The original coin, which subsequently disappeared, was taken to Dr William Whitworth in 1910 having been found in a local field. Fortunately Dr Whitworth took a sealing wax impression of the coin which Museum volunteer, Clare Murton, photographed and emailed to the British Museum. Without Clare's quick thinking, this fascinating story would not have unfolded.
"I am very grateful to St Agnes Museum for showing us this seal impression and am delighted to be able to present an electrotype replica of the coin to the Museum as part of the work that the British Museum undertakes in partnership with other museums in Britain", said Roger Bland. "The discovery of the seal impression of this coin among Dr Whitworth's papers makes a fascinating story."
Clare Murton said, "It has been so exciting to find something amongst our latest acquisitions that has such national and international interest, yet is special and unique to St Agnes. It is perfect for our collection."
You can find out more about the coin on the BBC website
The replica gold coin
At the presentation, Jane Marley (Royal Cornwall Museum), Clare Murton, Colin Harris and Roger Bland
Click images to enlarge