Camden's Britannia newly translated into English, with large additions and improvements ; publish'd by Edmund Gibson ...

Conjectures upon the British Coins.

'TIS probable you may expect that I should make some short remarks upon the Coins which I have here represented. But for my part, I freely declare my self at a loss what to say to things, so much obscur'd by their distance and antiquity; and you, when you read these conjectures, will plainly perceive that I have only grop'd in the dark.

I have observ'd before from Caesar, that the ancient Britains used brass-money, rings, or plates of iron ac∣cording to a certain set weight; and there are that affirm they have found some of these in urns. Be∣sides these, there are now and then found in this Island, gold, silver, and brass coins, of several shapes and weight; most of them hollow on one side; some without letters, others with letters curiously wrought. And such as these I could never hear were digg'd up in other places; till of late Nicholas Faber Petrascius (a noble young Gentleman of Provence in France; and of great knowledge and exactness in the Study of Coins,) shewed me some such that had been found in France. But to come to those I have here given you.

The first is Cunobelin's, who flourished under Au∣gustus and Tiberius; upon which (if I mistake not) are engraven the heads of a two-faced Janus; pos∣sibly, because at that time Britain begun to be a little refined from its barbarity. For Janus is said to have first changed barbarity into good breeding; and for that reason, to be painted with two faces, as if he had hammer'd the same visage into quite another thing.

The second likewise is Cunobelin's with his face and name; and on the reverse the mint-master with the addition of the word TASCIA; which in British signifies a Tribute-Penny (as I am informed by D. David Powel, a man admirably skilled in that language;) perhaps from the Latin Taxatio, for the Britains do not use the letter X. And upon the same account, we see Moneta often upon the Roman Coins.

The third is also the same Cunobelin's, with a horse and CUNO; and with an ear of corn and CAMR, which seems to stand for Camalodunum, the palace of Cunobelin.

The fourth by the VER seems to have been coin'd at Verulam.

The fifth likewise is Cunobelin's.

The sixth, wanting the assistance of letters, I know nothing of.

The seventh, which is Cunobelin's, with this In∣scription Tasc Novanei, with a woman's head, I dare not positively affirm to have been the Tribute-money of the Trinovantes, who were under his government. Apollo with his harp, and the name of Cunobelin on the reverse, bring to my mind what I have somewhere observed of the God Belinus; namely, that the an∣cient Gauls worship'd Apollo under the name of Be∣linus. And this is confirmed by Dioscorides, who expresly says, that the Herba Apollinaris (in the juice whereof the Gauls used to dip their arrows) was call'd in Gaulish Belinuntia. From which I durst almost make this inference, that the name of Cunobelin, as also that of Cassibilin, came originally from the wor∣ship

[illustration] Roman coins

Tabula I. Nummi Britannici. Page lxxxvii

[illustration] Roman coins

Tabula II. Nummi Britannici Page lxxxviii

of Apollo; as well as Phaebitius and Delphidius. Unless one should rather imagine, that as Apollo for his yellow hair was called by the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and by the Latins Flavus; so by the Britains and Gauls, Belin. For a man of a yellow complexion in British is called commonly Melin, Belin, Felin; and for that reason, the ancient Belinus, Cunobelin, and Cassibelin (called also Cassivellaun) seem to import as much as Yellow Princes. For the Britains tell you that CUNO is a name of dignity; and at this day they call a thing that's principal or chief, Cynoc. But that it was certainly a term of honour, is pretty evident from Cungetorix, Cunobelinus, Cuneglasus, Cuneda, and Cune∣dagius, among the Britains; and Cyngetorix, Convicto∣litanus, Conteodunus, among the ancient Gauls: all names of Princes. And I know moreover, that Gildas renders Cuneglasus in Latin Lanio fulvus or furvus, i.e. a deep yellow or black butcher; called by other a sky or glass-colour'd Prince: that also they interpret Cuneda, a good Prince. But that the Ger∣man Koning, and our King came from this Cuno, I dare not so much as imagine. In the mean time, I am content to have sported with this variety of con∣jectures, that I might not expose my self to the ridi∣cule of others.

The eighth has a† 1.1 Chariot-horse with a wheel under it; and by the BODUO on the reverse seems to have belong'd to the people of the Boduni, or to Queen Boadicia, called also Voadicia, and Bundeicua.

The ninth; wherein one on horse-back with a spear and shield; and CAERATIC in letters scat∣ter'd: from which I should guess it to have been one of that warlike Caratacus, so much commended by Tacitus.

The tenth; in one side whereof is written REX under a man on horseback; and COM on the other, enclines me to believe, with some others, that it was one of Comius Atrebatensis, whom Caesar mentions.

The eleventh; which has on it a half moon with this Inscription REX CALLE, would agree well enough to Callena a famous City.

The twelfth has a winged head, with the word ATEULA; on the Reverse a Lion, with this In∣scription Ulatos. All my enquiry after the meaning of these words has been in vain. Only I have seen the Goddess Victorie in the very same figure upon the Roman Coins; but do not yet apprehend that the Britains ever called Victory ATEULA. That they named Victory Andate, I have already observed from Dio; but whether that was the same with ANDAR∣TA, worship'd by the Vocontii in Gaul, I leave to the judgment of others.

Here also you see the 13th with the word DIAS in a Pentagon, and on the reverse a horse.

The 14th with a hog, and this inscription VA∣NOC; on the reverse the head of a Goddess, pos∣sibly Venus, or Venutius, mentioned by Tacitus.

The 15th, a head with an helmet upon it, and DURNACO, but whether he was that Dumnacus, a Prince of the Andes, whom Caesar mentions, I know not.

The 16th with a horse, and ORCETI.

The 17th the Image of Augustus, and Tascia; on the reverse a bull pushing.

The 18th CUNO within a laurel garland; and on the reverse, a horse, with TASCE.

I have likewise seen another with Pegasus and CAMU; on the reverse whereof was a man's head with an helmet, a shield between ears of corn, and CUNO. Another with a horse but ill shaped, and EISU, perhaps one of ISURIUS; and on the re∣verse, an ear of corn. Another, wherein was a sol∣dier with a spear; and on the reverse, within a wreath or chain, SOLIDU. I cannot believe, that it was that piece of money called Solidus, which in that age was always gold; whereas this is silver. It may with greater probability be referred to the Solidurii;* 1.2 for so the Gauls called those† 1.3 who had resolved to live and die together. The terms were these, that they should enjoy all the advantages of life in common, with the persons they had settled such a league with∣all: that if any violence should be offered them, they should either joyn in the same fortune, or kill them∣selves. Nor was there ever any of these that refused to die after the party was slain, to whose friendship he had devoted himself. Whether these souldiers, who as stipendiaries were devoted to some Prince or State, and called in several nations of Europe almost by the same name, Soldiers, Soldats, Soldados, &c. whether these (I say) had their name from the Sol∣durii, is a point I had rather recommend to the con∣sideration of others, than determine my self. Tho' I am rather inclined to another opinion, that they were only called Solidarii in after ages, to distinguish them from such as by reason of their fees, served without the solidi or pay.

Whether this sort of money went commonly cur∣rant in the way of trade and exchange, or was at first coined for some particular use, is a question a∣mongst the learned. Now my opinion of the mat∣ter (if I may be allowed to interpose it) is this. Af∣ter Caesar had appointed how much tribute should be paid yearly by the Britains, and (under Augustus) they were opprest with the payment of portage, both for exporting and importing commodities; they had by degrees other taxes laid upon them, namely for* 1.4 corn-grounds, plantations, groves, pasturage of greater and lesser cattle; as being subdued to obey as subjects not as slaves. I have thought that these coins were first stampt for this use; for greater cattle, with a horse; for lesser, with a hog; for woods, with a tree; for corn ground, with an ear of corn; as in that of Verulam or St. Albans, inscribed VERU. But those with a Man's head, seem to have been coined† 1.5 for Poll-money, which was personal or laid upon the Head of every single person; upon women at twelve, and men at fourteen years of age. Which Bunduica or Boadicia, a Queen of the Britains, complains of to her subjects in these words: Ye both graze and plow for the Romans; nay, you pay an annual tribute for your very bodies. I have all along thought, that there was a cer∣tain esort of money coined on purpose for this use; seeing in Scripture it is called expressly the Tribute-money, and Hesychius interprets it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i.e. Census, is a certain money paid for every head. And I am the more confirmed in this opinion, because in some of them there is the Mint-master stamping the money, with TASCIA, which among the Britains signifies a Tribute-peny. Not but I grant that afterwards these came into common use. Nor can I reconcile my self to the judgment of those who would have a hog, a horse, an ear, a Janus, &c. be the Arms of particular People, or Prince; since we find even in those that one and the same Prince and People used several of these Arms, as Cunobilin stamp'd upon his coins a hog, a horse, an ear, and other things.

But whether this Tribute-money was coined by the Romans, or their Provincials, or their Kings, when the whole world was tax'd by Augustus, I cannot easily tell. One may guess them to have been stamp'd by the British Kings, since Britain, from the times of Ju∣lius Caesar to those of Claudius, lived under its own Laws, and was left to its own Kings; and since they have on them the effigies and titles of British Princes. For 'twas a received custom among the Romans, to have Kings as instruments of slavery; who, as they were in some measure the Allies of the Romans, by degrees (as is usual for the conquered) were inur'd to their customs, and seem to have begun to coin their money by the Roman methods, and weights; as also to write their own name upon it. But a con∣trary instance we find in Judaea, gathered from our Saviour's Answer; That they had Caesar's Image and Superscription, and were probably coined by the Ro∣mans. Which Cardinal C. Baronius, a most admi∣rable Ecclesiastical Historian, tells us in these words: It was a custom among the Romans, that money should be coined by the Emperors according to the tribute or tax, and should not always keep the same Standard; but, by a proportion to the increase or decrease of tributes, it here∣in differed from common money, that this had always the same value, but the tax or tribute-money was alter'd ac∣cording to the different quality of the tribute. Though some learned men do not close with Baronius in this point.

Additions to Mr. Camden, Concerning British COINS.

By Mr. Walker.

TAB. I.

THese eighteen first described, are in Mr. Camden; those which follow, are partly out of Speed's History, partly from other friends. Before we come to the particulars, I desire to premise in general,

I. That we find very little mention of the Britains, or their affairs, till Julius Caesar; who left a brief but material description of the country and people, their manners and customs, particularly concerning their traffick, and the great instrument of it, money: which, he saith, was not Coin, but rings and pieces of brass and iron, delivered out by weight; as it was also in the beginning at Rome. So that they had no mark upon their metals of exchange; which seems some∣what odd, seeing that the invention is so easie, rea∣dy, and useful for human conversation. But especi∣ally, since in Abraham's time coined or stamped money was current amongst merchants, and called by a par∣ticular name, shekel, taken (it may be) from the weight of it. And Jacob is said to have given or paid to H••mor, father of Sichem, for a part of a field, cen∣tum agnos; which is interpreted, Act. 7.16. not lambs, but pretio argenti; commonly explained, centum pro∣batos nummos. This ignorance, I say, is strange; ex∣cept we affirm the transmigration of the Predecessors of the Britains, to have been before Abraham's time, from the Northern parts of Asia, not so well civilized as the Eastern; where Coin seems to have been an∣tiently, even before Abraham, the current instrument of traffick. Long before Caesar's time, Polybius tells us, that these Islands were frequented both by Greeks and Phaenicians, trading for tinn and other commo∣dities. But it seems those crafty people were careful to conceal from these generally accounted heavie Nor∣thern nations, the value and usefulness of money.

II. The Coins I have seen of the Britains, for the most part are neither gold nor good silver, but of mixed metals; and those compositions very different, and not as yet by any, that I know, endeavoured to be discover'd: perhaps, since the quantities of them are so small, and their value taken from the fairness of their impression. Nor can we give any certain ac∣count of their weight, because we have very few of one stamp, or perfect; and some of them also may be probably thought counterfeited.

III. The Coins of the Britains are not unlike those of the antient Gauls; as those of our Saxons, to those of the first race of the Kings of the Franks, who set∣tled in France near the time that the Saxons invaded Britain: concerning which a farther account shall be given by and by. But in this we find the Saxons (as the English after them,) to differ both from the Gauls and Franks; that they did not so often change the weight or value of their Coins, much less raised and decryed the same piece, according to the pleasure or necessities of the Prince. An action, lawful indeed; but, without very great caution, detrimental and prejudicial to the Subject. But in this, themselves confess the English to understand their interest bet∣ter than the French.

IV. I can hardly satisfie my self, why we have so many Coins of Cunobeline, and so few of other Prin∣ces more famous, at least in Roman story; (for of British Historians, we have none certainly antienter than Gildas; and he only speaks of those near or of his own time.) But we have nothing of Caratacus, Arviragus, &c. but conjectural. Some of those of Cunobeline, I know, are modern; perhaps also Cuno, signifying (as Camden observes) a Prince, may be applied (especially since many Coins have no more than Cuno,) to divers Princes, and is added to the end of the names of several, mentioned in Gildas: perhaps also he reigned a long time. But the best reason seems to be, either because he lived some while at Rome; or that London was then a famous city for trade; and therefore had both more money, and bet∣ter preserved.

Remarks upon Mr. Camden's Conjectures.

I am not satisfied in the first of Mr. Camden. If it [ 1] be a Janus, I had rather apply it to the shutting of Ja∣nus's Temple by Augustus; in whose time Cunobeline lived at Rome; and both himself and the Britains were benefited by that general peace. But I fear, that is not the head of Janus; for the faces upon his Tem∣ple and Coins were divers, one old, the other young; but this seems made for two young women's faces, whether Cunobeline's wives, sisters, or children, I know not.

To the third; I conceive the horse was so frequent∣ly [ 3] stamped upon their Coins, because of their extra∣ordinary goodness in this country. The like is upon divers Cities and Provinces in Gallia. Or to shew, that they were, in their own opinion, excellent horse∣men. The Boar also, and Bull, were Emblems of strength, courage, and fierceness: and I find that an∣tiently the Romans used for their Ensigns, horses, wolves, boars, &c. till Caius Marius's third Consul∣ship, who then first ordained the Eagle only to be the standing Ensign of the Legions: as Trajan, after the Dacian War, set up Dragons for Ensigns of the Co∣horts.

In the sixth, the horse seems fasten'd by one fore [ 6] and the opposite hinder-foot, to some weight; as if it signified the invention of one of their Princes, to teach them some pace or motion. The wheel under him, amongst the Romans, intimated the making of an Highway for Carts. So many of which being in the Romans time made in this country, well deserved such a memorial.

The seventh, Novane, seems to be the same with [ 7] the two and twentieth, wherein is Tasci Novanit. some unknown city in the Dominion of Cunobeline. Re¦verse, a hog and wolf concorporated.

The ninth Speed thinks probably to be Caracta∣cus, [ 9] the valiant and renowned King of the Silures. The Britains called him Caradaue, and gave him the Epithets Uric fras, forti brachia. But others read it Epatica; which may keep its native signification, since we find Parsly, the Palm, Vine, Myrtle, Cynoglossum, Laserpitium, and other plants, sometimes figured, some∣times only named upon Coins; as you may find in Spanhemius.

Com. in the tenth, I cannot conceive to have [ 10] been Comius, made by Caesar King of the Atrebates, (Arras;) because he seems not to have had any power in Britain, where the greatest part of his stay was in prison; and at his return into his own country he headed a rebellion against the Romans. Besides, in other Coins it is Comm. which either signifies some City, or other Community, to have coined it; or to have been stamped in the time of Commodus the Em∣peror. For I cannot think it signified Commorus, by Greg. Turon. or Venant. Fortunatus named Duke of Britannia Armorica. A. C. 550.

The thirteenth, an Octogone, seems to have been of [ 13] a Christian Prince; for by it the Christians anciently figured the Font for baptism. In Gruter's Inscripti∣ons, p. 1166. are verses of St. Ambrose, upon the Font of St. Tecla.

Octogonus fons est munere dignus eo. Hoc numero decuit sacri baptismatis aulam Surgere, quo populo vera salus rediit. i.e.

The font is an Octogon, a figure (or number) wor∣thy of that function. It behoved the place (or court) of holy Baptism to be raised in this number; by which true salvation is restored to the people.

And it is a common observation, that as six was the number of Antichrist, so eight, of true Christianity.

The fourteenth seems to be a wolf and boar, 2 fierce [ 14] beasts joyned together, and the head of a town or city, Vano Civit. Mr. Speed applies it to Venutius, a valiant King of the Brigantes, married to Cartisman∣dua, who betrayed the noble and gallant Caractacus.

In the fifteenth, one letter seems to be misplaced. [ 15]

Durnacum was the city Tournay; and the head is as they usually decipher cities.

The sixteenth, with a woman's head, Orceti, if truly spelt, is the name also of some city unknown to us.

Conjectures upon the Coins added.

[ 19] The nineteenth is in Mr. Speed, but the letters ill wrought and placed: he reads it Casibelan, the first General of the Britains against the Romans. His country seems to have been North of the Thames, and to have comprehended part of Hartford and Buckingham shires. Yet he conquer'd the chief City of Imanuentius, whom he slew, and whose son Man∣dubratius fled to Caesar in France, and brought him hither. See more of him in Tab. 11, Co. 4.

[ 20] The twentieth is of Cunobeline, son of Theoman∣tius, nephew to Casibelan; by the British writers cal∣led Kymboline. The head seems to be of a woman. On the Reverse, a Sphinx, a figure so acceptable to Augustus, that he engraved it upon his seal. Where∣fore it may be, it was placed upon this Coin, to please the Emperor, a more than ordinary friend to Cuno∣beline, who was declared a friend to the Romans; and is said to have lived many years in Rome.

[ 23] In the twenty third seems to be the head of a city; inscription Vanit. seems to be the same with Vanoc. Co. 8.

[ 24] The twenty fourth seems not the head of a person, but of a place, probably Camalodunum, when Chri∣stian.

[ 25] The twenty fifth, Arivogius, is, both by Speed and Archbishop Usher, thought to be Arviragus; of whom more Co. 27. Ononus I understand not.

[ 26] The twenty sixth is probably of Cartismandua, Q. of the Brigantes, whereof Caledonia was one part. A woman infamous for betraying the warlike Carac∣tacus into the hands of the Romans; and for abusing her valiant husband Venutius.

[ 27] The twenty seventh, a crowned head, with many strings of pearls about it, is thought to be Arviragus. I wish there were more than bare conjectures for it. For I do not find that Arviragus was a Christian, as this Coin declares, there being a cross and a string of pearles about it; an ordinary ornament of the cross in the first peaceable times of the Church. Harding, I think, is the only Author who affirms him a Chri∣stian: but 'tis generally said, erga Religionem Christia∣nam bene affectus, (Vit. Basing.) and that he gave to the first preachers of Glastenbury so many hides of land, as helped much to maintain them. And Gildas saith, that it was well known that the Christian Reli∣gion was brought into Britain in the latter end of Ti∣berius's time. He lived in great reputation in Domi∣tian's time, whose flatterers, upon some prodigies ap∣pearing, foretold him of some great good fortune to him, as that Arviragus should be thrown down from his chariot.

[ 29] The twenty ninth. Dr. Plot, who hath published these three, thinks to be Prasutagus and Boadicia; but I see no resemblance of one or more faces. I rather imagine it to be some fortification.

[ 31] The one and thirtieth was put into my hands, as belonging to York; in Antoninus and antient Au∣thors, written Eburacum. But I take it to be a Gal∣lick Coin, and to signifie either the Eburovices, or ra∣ther Eburones, which were inhabitants of the country of Liege. The head seems to be of a City, rather than, as Bouteroue thinks, of Ambiorix, Cotivulcus, or some other of their Princes.

[ 33] The three and thirtieth is also to design some city or country, it may be of the Auscii, (now Ausch in Gascoine) or some other unknown. It is to be no∣ted, that after the example of the Romans, (who stamped the armed head of a young woman, proba∣bly Rome, a notable Virago, who gave name to the city, with the word Roma, on one side of their Coin,) other cities and countries placed also the head; yet not always helmeted, but commonly in the dress of the place where coined.

British Coins. TAB. II.

That the first was of some British Prince in esteem [ 1] for an holy man, I collect from the pearls about his head, set in the ancient form of a glory: as also by the hand under the horse for the reverse. Many of these British coins are adorned with pearls. I con∣ceive the reason to be, the plenty of them in this country; so great, that Julius Caesar is said to have un∣dertaken his expedition for obtaining them, and that at his return he dedicated a shield covered with Bri∣tish Pearl, in the Temple of Venus. In some coins of Constantine the great, of Arcadius, Eudoxia, and others in Gretzer, l. 1. c. 15, 16, is an hand signify∣ing some favourable action of Providence towards them: as reaching to take Constantine into heaven: crowning Arcadius, &c. In this it may intimate the sustaining of his Cavalry. This is only conjecture; since we know not the person.

The second and third by their rugged and un∣handsom [ 2.3.] looks seem to have been some of the ancient British Princes; but the letters being worn out, forbid us to guess who they were.

The fourth is Cassivelaunus, others name him Cassi∣belinus [ 4] or Velanus, as if he were a Prince of the Cassii, a people not far from the Trinobantes, part of the dominion of his brother Immanuentius, whom he slew; and deposed his son Mandubratius, who thereupon fled to Caesar, and was restored by him to his just dominion. But this action caused Mandubratius to be looked upon as an enemy and traitor to his country, and so hated, that he accompanied Caesar in all his wars; and left the Kingdom to his son, or nephew, Cunobeline. His son lived in Rome with the favour of Augustus and the Senate, who declared him a friend of the Romans, as is plainly intimated in that Speech of the generous Prince Caractacus. From these transactions we may ob∣serve, 1. That the Romans by this submission and request of Manubratius had a just cause of War against Cassi∣belinus, and consequently against all the Britains, who chused him their General. 2. That this con∣quest was exceedingly beneficial to the nation and countrey, which, by the Romans, acquired civility, if not humanity also, and prudent government; good husbandry too, and improvement of wealth and trade both by sea and land; and thereby prepared them for receiving the Gospel. 3. That the Britains quickly apprehended these benefits and advantages; and therefore more readily embraced, and more cheerfully, than most other nations, submitted to the laws and customs of the Romans; as appears by Ta∣citus in the life of Agricola. And though it may be, that the doctrine of the Druids, despising the heathen Gods, acknowleding only one God, and rewards and punishments after death, might contribute to their embracing the Gospel; yet I think that the very great courage, high generosity, and excellent parts of the people did more; being once convinced that the Roman laws and government was better than their own.

Of the fifth the letters are too imperfect: if the re∣verse [ 5] be not a pavilion, or seat of state, I know not what it is.

The sixth seems to be a visor, the letters now not [ 6] visible: or it might be ill-made in imitation of Com∣modus, usually set forth with his head wrap'd in a Lion's skin, feigning himself to be Hercules.

The seventh is a British, rough, uncomb'd head; [ 7] the letters are vanished. Those above the Horse on the reverse seem to be set the averse way, from the right to the left hand.

The eighth, as likewise the twenty fourth and [ 8] thirty sixth, seem to be a Ship or Galley with oars. Vid. Mons. Bouteroue in Clothaire, An. Ch. 511. the fi∣gure is better there expressed than in ours. It was coined by a Christian Prince or City; because all of them are adorned with crosses, either upon the stern or yards. S. Aug. Ser. 22. de diversis, saith: It is ne∣cessary for us to be in the ship, and to be carried in the wood that can pass through the sea of this world. This

wood is the Cross of our Lord. S. Paulinus seems to refer it to the yards; Et rate ornata titulo salutis. S. Chrys. rather to the stern, (Quod Christus sit Deus) Crux navigantium gubernaculum. The same doth Ephr. Syrus. Upon divers Coins of the Roman Emperors is a stern joyned to a globe; as if they steer'd the whole world. On the reverse is Duro, which I que∣stion not was Durobernia or Canterbury, now the chief seat of the great Archbishop and Primate of the Na∣tion.

[ 9] The ninth is an Horse, under the Sun and Moon: whether it signified (according to their opinion) that beast to be chiefly subject to those Planets; or, that next the Sun and Moon, the chiefest benefit they reaped was from the Horse, or any other imaginati∣on, I am ignorant.

[ 10] The tenth is an Head, and I think, foreign, and not British; most of those being without ornament, but this hath a Crown or Garland. And what if Dubno should be mistaken for Dumnorix, or some other Prince unknown to us.

[ 11] The eleventh hath an Head with a Diadem of two rows of Pearls; perhaps for some of the Oriental Emperors and not unlikely of Constantine the Great, both for the goodness of the face, and his being one of the first who carried that sort of Diadem. He may well be placed here, as being born of a British Lady. The reverse is a Dove hovering over a Cross, an em∣blem not unusual in the first times of Christianity; intimating, that the Cross is made beneficial unto us by the Holy Spirit. Masseius and Osorius testifie, that the Christians at their first coming to Meliapor (the city of St. Thomas) found such a one there engraved in stone in his own time, as was verily believed. The like is reported by Bosius in the vault of St. John Lateran; and by Chiffletius upon an Altarstone in Besançon.

The twelfth of Cunobeline: the letters upon the [ 12] reverse begin the name of some place, but what I know not.

[ 13] The thirteenth, by the letters BR, seems to be the head of Britannia, as there were many the like of Rome and other places: the reverse is also, accord∣ing to many Roman Coins, a man on horseback, as in that exercise they called Decursio.

[ 14] The fourteenth seems a Woman's Head with a Crown; the letters worn out. On the reverse, compared with the sixteenth, twenty fourth, and thirty fifth, seems to be inscribed some sacred vessel or utensil.

[ 15] The fifteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth, having no inscriptions, are to us unintelligible. The sixteenth seems an ill-shapen Galley with the keel upwards.

[ 19] The nineteenth seems to be the head of some Town or Country: some say, that Julius Caesar, but 'tis more certain, that Claudius brought one or more Ele∣phants into Britain against their enemies.

[ 20] The twentieth hath an Head covered with an an∣tick sort of Helmet. The reverse seems an ill-fashio∣ned Gryphon. It is somewhat strange that those fond kind of imaginations should have lasted so long, and in these remote parts of the world.

[ 21] Concerning the twenty first, vid. Tab. 1. c. 29. what it, or the twenty second signifies, I cannot ima∣gine.

[ 23] The twenty third seems the figure of an ordinary British foot-soldier, armed with a head-piece and ar∣mour down to his thighs; and a club upon his shoul∣der.

[ 24] The twenty fourth hath a Galley with a Cross upon the stern, yet not at the handle of the stern, being up∣on the wrong side of it. Vid. Coin 8. The letters I [ 25] understand not, as neither the reverse. The twenty fifth also is utterly unknown.

[ 26] The twenty sixth seems to be the head of some of the Gothic kings of Spain; the like being found in Ant. Augustinus, and Monsieur le Blanc. On the re∣verse is a kind of Dragon, seen also upon the Greek and Gallick Coins, as well as British. Such a one as this is by Monsieur le Blanc described for Childeberts, pag. 58.

[ 27] The twenty seventh, twenty eighth, and twenty ninth, having Runic inscriptions, might probably be made for some of the kings of Cumberland, in which County are still extant some Runic Monu∣ments.

The thirtieth hath an Head, which I would gladly [ 30] believe to be of Arviragus; because on the reverse is an Essedarius or Covinarius, a fighter upon a chariot, with his dart or like weapon, in one hand, and his quiver of arrows at his back. A kind of fight, which was strange to Julius Caesar, and forced him to turn his back.

Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis, Great Caesar flies, the Britains he had sought.

So terrible was it to the Romans, that his flatterers upon some imagin'd prodigy, took it to be an omen of the overthrow of Arviragus, a very couragious and warlike Prince. De temone Britanno Excidet Arvi∣ragus.

The thirty first is, in the learned Monsieur Boute∣roue's [ 31] judgment (from whom it is copied) supposed to be king Lucius, the first Christian king of Britain. The truth of whose story is largely discoursed by Archbishop Usher in his Primord. Eccles. Britan. where he seems to say, that it is confirmed by all Hi∣storians, that king Lucius, king in Britain, was the first Christian king in the world. Which also seems strongly confirmed by what he saith, That the Scots beyond the wall, under Victor I. immediate successor to Euaristus (under whom Lucius was converted) received also the Christian Faith, pag. 41, 42. But that there is some difference about the time when king Lucius lived, but greater about what part of Britain he reigned in. As likewise concerning his re∣signing the kingdom, and going to preach the Gospel in Bavaria, and being martyr'd near Coire, in the Grisons Country, then called Rhaetia.

The thirty second also is out of Monsieur Bouteroue, [ 32] who rationally thinks it to be the head of Boadicia, wife to Prasutagus king of Norfolk and Suffolk, &c. a woman of prodigious wit and courage. Gildas calls her Leaenam dolosam, the crafty or deceitful Lionness. She slew 80000 of the Romans, destroy'd their chief City and Colony, Cumalodunum; Verulamium also, and some say London. She slew the ninth Legion; but being overcome by Paulinus, she either died for grief, as some say; or by poison, as others.

The thirty third is easily intelligible. The reverse [ 33] of the thirty fifth seems to be a Tabernacle, or some such holy vessel, standing upon a foot, and having a Cross upon the top. I understand it not; nor any of the rest, being all ancient Runic characters: nor doth it appear whether they belong to this Country, or to Spain. The Runic Characters anciently were the writing of the Visi, or Western Goths, who lived in Denmark, Norway, Jutland, &c. For the Ostro, or Eastern Goths of Sweden, and those Countries, swarmed and conquered Eastward in and towards Asia: who, though they seem to have had the same language with the Visigoths, yet had a different cha∣racter; framed as it seems from the Greek, some say by Ulphilas their Bishop, near or upon the Black-Sea; and it is still preserved in the copy of the Gos∣pels translated into that language by him: and is for the most part still extant in that they call the Codex Argenteus, being wholly written in silver letters, re∣serv'd with great and deserved veneration in Sweden: but transcribed and printed by the very worthy and learned person Mr. Franc. Junius, the younger. But the Visigoths seem to be those who came Westward; who conquer'd part of Italy, and of France; all Spain, and part of Africk; where they reigned in great splendor many years, till the invasion of the Moors. They also acquired the Northern Parts of Britain, keeping (as it seemeth) their ancient Runic Chara∣cters. And though most of the ancient Runic Coins I have seen either in Ant. Augustinus, Paruta, or La∣stannoza's book de las monedas desconocidas; yet I have only set down those which are new to me, and which being sent by that very courteous, intelligent, and diligent Antiquary, Mr. Ralph Thoresby of Leeds in Yorkshire, I conceive rather belong to those of Northumberland, Cumberland, &c.

[illustration] Roman coins

Tab. III. Nummi Romani. Page XCVIII

[illustration] Roman coins

Tabula IV. Nummi Romani. Page XCVIII

Ne vel tantillum paginae vacaret, Visum est addere, fere ex Eruditissimo Bouterovio Alphabetum enummis Antiquis desumplum.

Notes upon the Roman Coins.

THE first of the Romans after Julius Cae∣sar, that resolv'd to subdue Britain in ear∣nest, was Claudius; who shipping over his army, reduced the south part into the form of a Province. And about that time, this first piece of money, with an abbreviated Inscripti∣on, seems to have been coin'd: TI. CLAVD. CAES. AVG. P. M. TR. P. VIIII. IMP. XVI. i.e. Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunitia potestate 9. Imperator 16. To explain these titles once for all. After Julius Caesar, who laid the foundation of the Roman Monarchy, all his successors in honour of him assumed the titles of Caesar or Augustus; as if they were above the pitch of humane nature, (for things that are sacred we call August;) that also of Pontifices Maximi or High-Priests, because they were consecrated in all the kinds of Priesthood, and had the Oversight of all Religious Ceremonies: they usurped likewise the Tribunitian power (but would not by any means be call'd Tribunes,) that they might be inviolable. For, by virtue of this authority, if any one gave them ill language, or offer'd them any violence, he was to be put to death without a hearing, as a sacrilegious person. They renewed this Tribunitian power every year, and by it computed the years of their reign. At last they were call'd Emperors, because their Em∣pire was most large and Ample, and under that nat•••• was coucht both the power of Kings and Dictapo••••. And they were stil'd Emperors, as often as they did any thing very honourable either in person, or by their Generals. But, since in the reverse of this coin there is a triumphal arch, with a man on horseback between two trophies, and the title DE BRITAN; I should imagine, that in the 9th year of Claudius (for so I reckon from the Tribunitian power) there were two Victories [over the Britains.]

[ 2] In the second Coin (which is also one of Claudius Augustus) by this Inscription, TI. CLAVD. CAES. AVG. GER. TR. P. XII. IMP. XIIX. we learn that in the twelfth year of his reign, after he had been successful in Britain, he was saluted Emperor the eigh∣teenth time; and the Ploughman with a Cow and a Bull inform us that at the same time a Colony was placed in Camalodunum. The Romans (says Servius) clad after the Gabine fashion, (i.e. with part of their gown covering their head, and the other part tuckt up,) when they had a design to build a city, yok'd on the right hand a Bull, with a Cow on the inner side, and in that habit held the crooked plough-tail so as to make all the earth fall inwards. By thus drawing a furrow, they markt out the track of the walls, lifting up the plough where the place of the gates was to be.

[ 3] The son of Claudius (whose the 3d Coin is with Greek characters) was by a Decree of the Senate ho∣nour'd with the sirname of BRITANNICVS to use as peculiar to himself; upon the account of his Fa∣thers success. He it was for whom Seneca pray'd, That he might quiet Germany,† 1.6 make an inroad into Britain, and† 1.7 maintain his fathers triumphs with new ones of his own. But what then must be the meaning of that half ship with an Inscription to this sens••, The Metropolis of King Etiminius? Well, truly who this Etiminius should be, does not appear to me; unless one should imagine him to be that Adiminius, Cuno∣belin's son, who (as Suetonius says) took protection under C. Caligula.

[ 4] The fourth Coin, which is Hadrian's, with this In∣scription, HADRIANVS AVG. CONSVL III. PA∣TER PATRIAE; and on the reverse EXERCITVS BRITANNICVS (or the British army) represented by three souldiers; I should imagine to point out the three legions that serv'd in Britain in the year of Christ 120 (for then he was third Consul,) namely, the Secunda Augusta, the Sexta Victrix, and the Vice∣sima Victrix.

[ 5. 6.] The fifth and sixth (both of Antoninus Pius) with this Inscription, ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS. P. P. TR. P. COS. III. and on the reverse of the one, Britain sitting on the rocks, with a military ensign, a spear, and a shield; but on that of the other, the same Britain sitting upon a globe. These seem to have been stamp'd by the British Province, in honour of Antoninus Pius, at his coming to the Empire, in the year of Christ 140. The military habit of the Province of Britain, assures us, that at that time it flourished in military discipline. So the money coined by Italy in honour of him, upon this occasion, has such a figure sitting upon a globe, with a Cornucop••••, to signifie plenty of all things: that by Sicily, has the figure, with ears of corn, to denote fruitfulness and that by Mauritania, a person holding two spears with an horse, to imply the peculiar glory of that Province in Cavalry. And hither also is to be referr'd the ninth, which is the same Antoninus's, but not put in its pro∣per place.

The 7th (which is Commodus's) only teaches us, [ 7] that upon the account of a victory over the Britains, he took the name of Britannicus. for on the reverse, we see Victory with a branch of a Palm-tree holding a shield, and leaning upon the shields of the conquer'd Britains, with this Inscription, VICTORIA BRI∣TANNICA.

The 8th (which is Caracalla's, but is not put in its [ 8] proper place) plainly shews by the Numerals that he conquer'd the enemy in Britain in the year of our Lord. 14. as also by the Trophy, which Virgil in these verses has described more lively than the best En∣graver can possibly do.

Ingentem quercum decisis undique ramis Constituit tumulo, fulgentia{que} induit arma Mezenti ducis exuvias, tibi magne tropheum Bellipotens: aptat roranteis sanguine cristas, Tela{que} trunca viri. And first he lopp'd an Oak's great bran hes round, The trunk he fasten'd in a rising ground. And here he fixt the shining Armor on, The mighty spoil from proud Mezentius won. The Crest was plac'd above that dropt with blood, A grateful trophy to the warlike God; And shatter'd spears stuck round.—

The same inference is to be made from the 12th, [ 12] which is the same Caracalla's.

In those of Severus and Geta, there is no diffi∣culty. [ 10. 11.]

Who this Aelian was, does not yet appear. Some [ 13] reckon him to be A. Pomponius Aelianus among the 30 Tyrants. Others make him Cl. Aelianus among the six Tyrants under Dioclesian. And some there are who think that this was the very Tyrant in Britain, under Probus the Emperor, whom Zosimus mentions without telling us his name, and of whom we have spoken before. But at what time soever it was, I am altogether of opinion that he was called Augustus in Bri∣tain, because his Coins are found only in our Island, with this Inscription, IMPERATOR CL. AELIA∣NVS PIVS FOELIX AVGVSTVS. On the re∣verse, VICTORIA AVGVSTI, which hints that he subdued some Barbarians or other.

The Coin of Carausius, with this Inscription, IM∣PERATOR [ 14] CAIVS CARAVSIVS PIVS FOE∣LIX AVGVSTVS, and on the reverse, PAX AV∣GVSTI, seems to have been stamp'd after he had scowrd the British Sea of the Pirates.

When Allectus (who made away Carausius) had [ 15] usurp'd the Government, and behaved himself stout∣ly against the Barbarians, he stamp'd this Coin, with the Inscription, VIRTVS AUGVSTI. By the Let∣ters Q. L. some would have meant Quartarius coyn'd at London; others, a Quaestor or Treasurer of Lon∣don.

After Constantius Chlorus had ended his days at [ 16] York, and was solemnly deified, this money was coyn'd in honour and memory of him, as appears by the Inscription, and the Temple between two Ea∣gles. The letters underneath, P. LON. shew that the money was stamp'd at London.

[ 17] His wife, Flavia Helena, a Lady of British birth (as our Histories tell us, and that excellent Historian Baronius confirms) after her son Constantine the Great had routed the Tyrant Maxentius, and having secur'd the Commonwealth, received the titles, Fundator qui∣etis, Founder of peace; and Liberator orbis, Deliverer of the world: she also had this money coyned, in honour of her, at Triers, as appears by the Letters S. TR. i.e. Signata Treviris, stamp'd at Triers.

[ 18] ••l. Constantinus Maximus Augustus, that great orna∣ment of Britain, coin'd this at Constantinople, (as ap∣pears by the letters underneath, CONS.) with the inscription of GLORIA EXERCITVS; to ingra∣tiate himself with the army, who in that age had the disposal of the Empire, and not the Emperor.

[ 19] Constantinus Junior, son of Constantine the Great, (to whose share Britain fell among other Countries) stamp'd this Coin while his father was living. For he is only stiled Nobilis Caesar, a name that was wont to be given to the* 1.8 Heirs apparent of the Empire. We may gather, from the building, and PROVIDEN∣TIAE CAES. that he and his brother built some pub∣lick work; and from P. LON. that it was coyned at London.

[ 20] This Coin, inscrib'd Dominus noster Magnentius Pius Faelix Augustus, seems to have been stamp'd by Mag∣nentius (whose father was a Britain) and design'd to ingratiate himself with Constantius, after he had con∣quered some publick enemy. For the Characters DD. NN. AVGG. i.e. Domini nostri Augusti, intimate that there were then two Augusti, or Emperors. The words VOTIS V. MVLTIS X. witness that the peo∣ple then† 1.9 solemnly prayed, That the Emperor might flourish five years, and multiplying that number, with lucky acclamations unanimously wish'd him many ten years. And this is farther made out by that passage in Nazari the Panegyrist, The Quinquennial feasts of the blessed and happy Caesars possess all hearts with abun∣dance of joy; but in the appointed revolutions of ten years, our eager vows and swift hopes are at a stand. The let∣ters P. AR. shew this Denarius to have been stampt at Arles.

[ 21] Constantius, after he had defeated Magnentius, and recovered Britain, had this coined in honour of the army. The R. in the basis possibly, shews that it came out of the mint at Rome.

[ 22] This Coin (stampt at Antioch, as appears by these small letters underneath) was made in honour of Va∣lentinian, after he had reduced Britain from its decay∣ing condition, and called that part he had recovered, from his own name Valentia.

[ 23] To this Coin of Gratian's I have nothing to say, but what I just now observed upon that of Magnen∣tius.

[ 24] When Magnus Maximus was created Emperor by [ 25] the army in Britain, as also his son Flavius Victor; this [ 26] money was coined in compliment and honour to the soldiers: and Theodosius, after he had dispatcht them, stampt that with the Inscription, VIRTVTE EX∣ERCITVS, upon the very same account.

[ 27] In that golden Coin of Honorius, there is nothing observable, but that from AVGGG. we infer that there were then three Augusti, or Emperors; which was after the year 420. when Honorius was Emperor in the West, Theodosius Junior in the East, and along with them Constantius (who had conquer'd that Con∣stantine, elected upon account of his name,) made Emperor by Honorius. As for that CONOB, it shews it to be* 1.10 pure gold, stampt at Constantinople.

For, as far as my observation has carried me, I ne∣ver met with Con••b. in any Coins but golden ones.

I could add a great many more Roman Coins, (for there are prodigious quantities every day found through this kingdom, in the ruines of old demo∣lished cities,† 1.11 in the treasure coffers or vaults hidden in that age, and in the funeral urns.) But I was ve∣ry much surprised how such great abundance should remain to this day, till I had read that melting down of antient money was prohibited by the Imperial Constitutions.

Having now represented those antient Coins (Bri∣tish and Roman)* 1.12 in their proper forms; I cannot but think it the reader's interest to insert here a Cho∣rographical Table of Britain, (when a Roman Pro∣vince) with the antient names. Not that I promise to make it compleat; for who can pretend to that? But such a one, as, if you learn nothing else from it, will at least teach you this, that there are continual changes in this world, new foundations of cities laid, new names of nations trump'd up, and old ones reje∣cted. So that (as the Poet says.)

Non indignemur mortalia corpora solvi, Cernimus exemplis oppida posse mori. Vain mortals, ne're repine at heaven's decree, When sad examples shew that towns themselves can dye.

Roman Coins. TAB. III. By Mr. Walker.

IMperator, at first was an appellation of Honour given by the soldiers to their Commander, that had [ 1] obtained a great victory over the enemies; but after∣wards it was a title given to the chief General of their armies, as all the Emperors were.

The Tribunes also of the people were accounted sa∣cred persons, and therefore might safely accuse any man to the people. They were always of Plebeian families; but the Emperors being Pontifices Maximi were Patritian. And therefore that their power might be uncontroulable, not being capable of the Tribune∣ship, they obtained to have Tribunitiam potestatem, i.e. all the power of a Tribune; which was also conferred upon them every year, or as often as they desired it. Sometimes they refused it, and some∣times they conferr'd it on one of their Confidents; and sometimes for five years. So that it is not true, which most of the Medal Writers, and Camden amongst them, say, that the number of the Tribunitia potestas was the number of their reigns. See the book of Coins and Medals in Augustus.

I have added the second, a Britain naked, fighting [ 2] with a man, armed with sword and buckler; out of the judgment of divers learned men, though I have not seen any with such inscription.

In the third is expressed the manner how the Ro∣mans [ 3] settled the Countries they conquered: which was by planting strong Colonies of Romans in places convenient; whereby they both kept the conquered in peace, and entred into conversation and business with them by introducing frugality, husbandry, tra∣ding, &c.

To the seventh, Commodus was by his flatterers cal∣led Britannicus; whereas the Britains either endea∣voured [ 7] or actually chosed another Emperor. Lampr.

To the sixteenth, I find one Aelianus chosen Em∣peror [ 16] by the army of Lollianus, after they had flain him at Mentz.

To the seventeenth, C. Carausius was a man of very [ 17] mean birth; but by his parts, courage and industry, together with the money he had got from the Pirates, (never restoring what he took, either to the Empe∣ror, or the persons robbed) advanced to that high degree. He was of Menapia, but (as it seems) not that in Gallia, but in Ireland.

Roman Coins. TAB. IV.

THese, as likewise the rest of the Roman Coins, are so common and well known, that there needs no explication of them. The ninth, tenth, &c. [ 9. 10.] are added; because, though those contain nothing upon them expresly concerning Britain, yet Julius Caesar was the first that discovered, and made some small progress in reducing the nation. No mention of this is on his Coins, because then he was not su∣pream, but acted as a General commissionated by the Senate; and the power of putting his Image upon Coins was not given him till afterwards, and till he had obtained the supream power. The reverse of this is Augustus; because under him the Britains lived in peace and liberty; probably secured by Cunobelinus, who (as we said before) lived at Rome in his time.

[ 11] The eleventh is of Vespasian, who contributed more than any other to the conquest of Britain; and by his valour and success there, obtained that glory, which brought with it the Empire.

[ 12] The twelfth is of Decimus Clodius Albinus, a great Gourmond, but a good Justicer, a valiant and expert soldier. He was a noble Roman, but born at Adru∣metum. Commodus would have made him Caesar, I suppose because he was accounted of a gladiatorian humor also; but he refused it, yet accepted it from Severus. When Severus went against Pescennius Ni∣ger, to keep him quiet in Britain, where he comman∣ded the Legions, he named him Caesar, and Sophinius; and a little after, partaker or companion in the Em∣pire. But Pescennius being overcome, he went streight against Albinus; who hearing of it, met him with his British Legions in arms; where divers sore battles were fought with various success. Till at Lyons, Al∣binus was, by the treachery of some of his Officers, vanquish'd, sorely wounded, and basely and unwor∣thily used by Severus; who cut off his head, sending it to Rome, where it was set upon the publick Gallows, and his body left in the Praetorium till it stunk, and was torn by dogs. It appears by divers of his Coins, that he was also Augustus, but not long before his death.

The thirteenth is of M. Aurelius Marius, placed [ 13] here, because some say that he was born in Britain: at first a smith, but being afterwards a soldier, got by his prodigious strength and valour, after Posthu∣mus's death, to be chosen Emperor. Some say, that he reigned but three days; but by his many Coins, it appears that he reigned longer, both in Britain and Gaul. The soldier that killed him, up∣braided him, that it was with a sword which himself had made.

The fourteenth. I had here placed Bonosus, a Bri∣tain, [ 14] son of a Rhetorician, a very valiant warlike man, and the greatest drinker of his age. He commanded Rhaetia, (the Grisons country) and the confines of the Roman Empire towards the Germans: and having lost the fleet upon the Rhine left in his charge, for fear of punishment he rebelled, and declared himself Augustus. Probus, after a great battle, took and hanged the Usurper. In his stead therefore I have taken the Coin of Aemilianus, being very rare, be∣cause I could find neither in metal or writing any one of Bonosus.

The fifteenth, being a rare Coin of Delmatius, I [ 15] have described, though not so nearly related to Bri∣tain, being son to the brother of Constantine the Great, chiefly to fill up a void place.

As also, because Roman Coins are so well known, and very few more than what are here described, con∣cerning Britain; for the better understanding of exo∣tick Coins, as of the Franks, British, and Saxon; I thought it not amiss to insert an Alphabet of such letters as are usually found upon them. Some I have omitted, because I did not know them. The first Alphabet is of the Runic, which also hath some part in most of the rest.

Notes

• † 1.1

  Essida∣rius equus.
• * 1.2

  Solidurii.
• † 1.3

  Viros ••••ev••tos. Caes. Com.
• * 1.4

  Stativ•••• in the Copy for Sativis
• † 1.5

  Pro Tri∣buto Ca∣pitationis.
• † 1.6

  aperiat.
• † 1.7

  ducat.
• * 1.8

  Designa∣tis Imper••i successori∣••us.
• † 1.9

  Vota ••••ucupa∣bat.
• * 1.10

  Obriz••••
• † 1.11

  In The∣sa••ris & slaviss••s. l. 1. c. de ••••ri pub. profecut. Lib. 12, 13. C. Th. de suscept. praepos.
• * 1.12

  S••is ty∣pis.