ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WEIGHT
Authority
Mint
Denomination
5 Scripula = 5 Grammata
Material
Copper alloy (bronze or brass)
Manufacture
Cast
Shape
Disc or similar (ellipse, etc.)
Length
1.81 cm
Width
1.81 cm
Height
0.35 cm
Metrology
| Mass (g) | Mass (grain) | Date of measurement | Reference | fragmented | cleaned | reference weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.84 | - | - | RIB II | No | No | Yes |
Iconography
| Symbol | Technique | Direction | Position | Number | Synecdoche |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star above marks of value | One | ||||
| Dot / Pellet | Four |
Wear
Corrosion
Handle
No
Suspension hole
No
Recarved mould
No
Recarved weight
No
Intentionally destroyed
No
Archaeological description
RIB II: Support: Type of object: Weight. Material: Copper-alloy. Dimensions: (overall) Diam. 18.07 × Th. 3.45 mm Weight 5.84 gm. Decoration and iconography: In the form of a disc. Site: Hambleden. Find context: Found by a metal-detectorist. Find date: 2008. Modern location: In private possession. Institution: (private possession). Text field: Manner of execution: Incised both sides. Style of lettering: (not specified). Letter heights: (not specified).
Finds.OrgUK: A Roman copper alloy weight (AD43-410). This is probably a disc-shaped weight. Both sides have the same pattern of a central stamped ‘sun’ motif with radiating arms and four punched dots. Similar weights are illustrated in Crummy (1995:101nos 2511 and 2512). No 2511 has two punched dots in a similar style to this example. Crummy suggests this weight is possibly for two scruples (scripula), there were 24 scruples to the Roman ounce. It weighs 1.9g. Dimensions: Diameter: 18.07mm; thickness: 3.45mm; weight: 5.84g. Reference: Crummy, N. 1995. The Roman small finds from excavations in Colchester 1971-1979. Colchester Archaeological Trust Ltd, Colchester.
Finds.OrgUK: A Roman copper alloy weight (AD43-410). This is probably a disc-shaped weight. Both sides have the same pattern of a central stamped ‘sun’ motif with radiating arms and four punched dots. Similar weights are illustrated in Crummy (1995:101nos 2511 and 2512). No 2511 has two punched dots in a similar style to this example. Crummy suggests this weight is possibly for two scruples (scripula), there were 24 scruples to the Roman ounce. It weighs 1.9g. Dimensions: Diameter: 18.07mm; thickness: 3.45mm; weight: 5.84g. Reference: Crummy, N. 1995. The Roman small finds from excavations in Colchester 1971-1979. Colchester Archaeological Trust Ltd, Colchester.
Autopsy
No
INSCRIPTION
| Language | Technique | Legend type |
|---|---|---|
| Latin | Relief | Denomination |
Fac simile
. .
*
. .
Edition
(Scriptula V.)
Monogram
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Findspot (region)
United Kingdom: England
Findspot (site)
Hambleden
context
RIB II: Found by a metal-detectorist.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF ACQUISITION
Region
City
Date of first acquisition
circumstances
DATING OF THE WEIGHT
Curatorial Section
ROMAN
Time frame
FROM
43
TO
300
Comments on Chronology
COLLECTION HISTORY
Collection
| Name | Date of acquisition | Inventory number |
|---|---|---|
| Unidentified Private Collections | None | None |
Bibliography
| Reference | Page/Column | Reference (number) | Plate / Figure | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIB II | None | Brit.40.11 | None | None |
VARIA
Additional comment
RIB II: Kate Sumnall, Finds Liaison Officer at the Museum of London, sent a photograph and other details. The Roman ounce (uncia) of 27.288 gm was divided into 24 scriptula of 1.137 gm each, so that five would actually weigh 5.685 gm.
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