2019-06-11 Tue

A Rare Gold Aureus issued during the rule of a Roman Emperor named Allectus in 293 AD was recently sold for £550,000. A treasure hunter found the coin in a field near Dover, Kent in April and sold it to a coin collector. Only one more example of this variety, discovered 50 years ago, is known to exist today and it is showcased at the British Museum. Experts believe that the coin was worth 25 pure silver denarii back in those days.

The obverse side of the 4.31 grams coin features a portrait of Allectus. The reverse side depicts two people kneeling in front of Apollo. Allectus ruled in present-day Britain and northern Gaul from 293 to 296 AD. He led a rebellion and annexed Britain from Rome but was killed in a battle in 296AD.

As per the current Treasure Act, single gold coins are not considered as a treasure and can be sold. There are plans to revise this Act and consider single gold coins as a treasure.

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