Silberbarren der römischen Kaiserzeit

In the 1990s, a stamped silver ingot in the shape of a double axe was discovered at the Oedenburg site near Biesheim and Kunheim in Alsace. This significant Roman settlement, identified as Argentovaria / Argentaria, featured military installations and an affluent vicus with impressive official structures from the mid to late 4th century. The unique shape of the ingot prompted a comprehensive catalogue of similar finds, detailing their discovery circumstances, current locations, weights, markings, and dating. The catalogue includes 97 finds from various regions, including Spain, Ireland, England, France, the Benelux countries, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Balkans, Italy, and Denmark. Approximately one-third of these pieces are double-axe shaped, predominantly featuring markings and aligning with the Roman pound, indicating an official nature. Analysis of the stamps—name, origin, and portrait—as well as punched inscriptions and graffiti, revealed connections to the imperial family, especially prior to 361/362, and to workshops, though ownership links were rare. Notably, stamped ingots were often found to be older than their punched counterparts. An additional section on stamped gold ingots further supports the discussion.