THE ROMAN HOARD FROM TURDA (POTAISSA III) Abstract: A new Roman coin hoard has been discovered during the archaeological surveys undergone in 2015 circa 250 m from the North-West bastion pertaining of the legionary fortress of Potaissa (Roman province of Dacia) (today, Turda, Romania). It comprises of 543 imperial denarii (conventionally named Potaissa III). The earthen pot containing these coins had been hidden inside a Roman building, most likely underneath a wooden floor. The denarii are preserved in good condition, and were carefully selected for hoarding. The 543 coins’ cache starts with two denarii dating back to emperor Nero and ends with two Mariana Andone-Rotaru denarii of emperor Macrinus. The hoard contains issues from Turda History Museum, Romania almost all emperors and members of the imperial families, with
[email protected] the exception of Galba. The denarii issued under the Severan dynasty represent 62% of the total, which indicates a quick accumulation during the time of emperor Caracalla. Keywords: hoard, military environment, imperial denarii, rapid DOI: 10.14795/j.v7i1_SI.474 accumulation, earthen pot with coins. ISSN 2360 – 266X ISSN–L 2360 – 266X rom many points of view, Potaissa has become one of the most significant sites from the province of Roman Dacia (Pl. 2), and the numerous monetary discoveries Fmade throughout the years in this ancient Roman city, as well as the fortress of Legio 5th Macedonica, are surely at the top of the list for reasons that contribute to its importance.1 In the urgent context of the Marcomannic Wars, the legion was transferred from Troesmis (province of Lower Moesia; today, Iglița, Romania) to its new garrison in the province of Dacia (Pl.