Speaker
Description
A significant number of Roman gold coins that have come down to us bear graphic engravings. Even though these are a common phenomenon they have rarely been studied comprehensively. Based on individual specimens, attempts have been made to establish viable theories on the social or monetary background of numismatic graffiti. This paper will present preliminary results of an extensive material study dedicated to this special type of writing, with the focus on hoards of Roman gold coins from the Imperial period. Special attention will be paid to the perception of writing, as far as it can be reconstructed. The new approach of examining and comparing a large number of Roman gold coins bearing graffiti provides new insights, which will allow us to better understand this intriguing social practice.
