Potin is a base metal alloy used in coins. It is typically a mixture of copper, tin and lead (in varying proportions) and does not typically contain significant . Potin is usually used in reference to Celtic coinage.
In Celtic coinage
In 1890, so-called
Potin lumps were found, of which the largest weighs , at the Prehistoric pile dwelling settlement
Alpenquai in Zürich (
Vicus Turicum) in Switzerland. The pieces consist of a large number of fused
Celts coins, which are mixed with charcoal remnants. Some of the about 18,000 coins originate from the
Gauls, and others are of the
Zürich type, that were assigned to the local
Helvetii, which date to around 100 BC. The find is so far unique, and the scientific research assumes that the melting down of the lump was not completed, therefore the aim was to form cult offerings. The site of the find was at that time at least from the lake shore, and probably to deep in the water.
[ Keltisches Geld in Zürich: Der spektakuläre «Potinklumpen». Amt für Städtebau der Stadt Zürich, Stadtarchäologie, Zürich October 2007.]
Kentish cast bronzes (historically referred to as Thurrock potins) appear to have been the first coins made in Britain dating from the end of the second century BC.
See also
