LOOSE CHANGE: NOVEMBER 7, 2021

   

To read the complete article, see:
EP136: Peter Tompa updates antiquities regulations and its effect on numismatists (https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/cwpod_ep136)

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Roman gladiators, doomed prisoners and wild animals anxiously awaited their fate in a small room at the Richborough amphitheater in southeastern England. Now, reports Jack Malvern for the London Times, archaeologists have identified the ruins of this ancient carcer, or holding cell.

In addition to the amphitheater, archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a triumphal arch and other structures in and around Richborough. Made of chalk and turf, the amphitheater was large enough to seat 5,000 spectators. It would have hosted public spectacles and entertainment, such as wild animal hunts, executions and gladiatorial combat.

Researchers have discovered a trove of artifacts during the dig, which began in mid-September and is set to conclude this month. Finds include butchered animal bones, coins, personal items, pottery fragments and the skeleton of a cat.

To read the complete article, see:
Holding Cell for Gladiators, Doomed Prisoners Found at Roman Amphitheater in England (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/holding-cell-for-gladiators-and-doomed-prisoners-found-at-dig-site-in-england-180978996/)

   

Five rare Iron Age gold coins found in a field in Derbyshire have been declared as treasure.

The coins, which have stylised wreath and horse patterns, were found in a farmer's field near Whitwell in 2019.

Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard they dated to the 1st Century BC and may have been produced by the Cornovii tribe.

The coins will now be valued before any reward is divided between the landowner and finders.

To read the complete article, see:
Derbyshire Iron Age gold coin hoard declared as treasure (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-59177436)

   

Two Vietnamese nationals working in Japan who have been indicted for circulating counterfeit currency were served fresh arrest warrants by Tokyo police on Nov. 4 on suspicion of importing counterfeit old 10,000-yen (about $88) notes with a portrait of the 6th-7th century Japanese prince Shotoku Taishi printed on them.

In relation to the latest arrests, the pair are suspected of working with third parties in around early September to hide 400 bogus 10,000-yen bills in international mail, and importing them by sending the package from a post office in Vietnam to Narita Airport in east Japan's Chiba Prefecture. Some 530 counterfeit 10,000-yen notes have been confiscated from the suspects' home and elsewhere.

To read the complete article, see:
2 Vietnamese nationals suspected of importing fake Japanese banknotes arrested again (https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211105/p2a/00m/0na/007000c)

Restaurant owner Antoine Haddad has been in business for over 35 years but says he is running out of hope as Lebanon struggles with one of the deepest financial crises of modern times.

The Lebanese pound lost around 90% of its value in the past two years, propelling three quarters of the population into poverty.

Pub-owner Moussa Yaakoub is also taken aback by the amount of cash he needs to run his business.

"I have never before held in my hands this amount of money," he said as he counted some 10 million pounds, worth $6,600 at the pre-crisis rate but now less than $500 at the market rate.

That much money used to cover a pub's operation for months, but now only pays a couple of bills, he said.

To read the complete article, see:
Lebanese carry 'worthless' stacks of cash after currency crash (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanese-carry-worthless-stacks-cash-after-currency-crash-2021-11-03/)

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