March 3, 2026

Late fourth and early fifth century coins from Trelai Park, Cardiff, south Wales

Key Points

The discovery includes a late Roman coin struck by Honorius around AD 395–401, marking its historical significance.
One notable coin represents the latest Roman coin ever found in Wales, providing insight into trade and minting practices.
Coins like the GLORIA ROMANORVM type hint at the extended use and circulation of currency into the early fifth century CE.
These findings imply that the Ely Roman Villa may have seen continued activity longer than previously understood.

Abstract

This short note discusses recent Roman coin finds from near to Ely Roman Villa, Cardiff. Two coins are of particular interest – a VIRTVS EXERCITI Emperor and Victory type struck by Honorius at Cyzicus in AD395–401, and a GLORIA ROMANORVM 3 Emperor type of Arcadius or Honorius struck at an uncertain eastern mint in AD406–8. The latter represents the latest Roman coin yet found in Wales and one of only a handful known more broadly in Britain. Its presence has implications for the date of abandonment of Ely villa, but also suggests cooper alloy coin use and supply extends into the fifth century AD.

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Late fourth and early fifth century coins from Trelai Park, Cardiff, south Wales

Key Points

Abstract

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