Considerations regarding the Presence of ‘Geto-Dacian’ Coins in the Istro-Pontic Territory. Discoveries, Contexts, Roles (3rd – 1st Centuries BC)

Abstract

The accumulation of information regarding the significant addition of monetary finds specific to the Geto-Dacian (and partially Celtic) mint in the territory between the Danube and the Black Sea, located in the extreme northeastern area of Thrace, gives rise to a reassessment of the finds, their contexts, and the role they played within local communities specific to the 3rd–1st centuries BC. Although the number of discoveries is not comparable to that known north of the Danube, they are a well-individualised presence within the open and fortified settlements of the territory in question, both in isolation and in hoards. Especially those present (in general) along the right bank of the Danube and, in particular, in the southwestern area of the Istro-Pontic territory. Most of them appear in fortuitous contexts, one reason being the rarity of archaeological research carried out in settlements specific to the local population. An important part of them was hoarded by the local noble elite in the 3rd–1st centuries BC, few were used in trade, and others were kept in the possession of some people until the early Roman period as reserves of noble metal.