A Bit of Numismatic Methodology: Coins in Context, new Perspectives for the Interpretation of Coin Finds

H.-M. von Kaenel and F. Kemmers (eds) 2009. Coins in Context I: New Perspectives for the Interpretation of Coin Finds, Mainz: von Zabern  [Studien zu Fundmünzen der Antike 23] 

This is discussed on Nathan Elkins' blog (he has a text in it and worked n the editing).

The book fills a void in the sense that it presents a number of case studies and methodological essays about the potential of comprehensive studies of coin finds from archaeological contexts in English. A conscious effort was made to publish most of the contributions in English since much of the detailed literature on the study of Roman coin finds in particular has been published in German. Therefore, this volume should make some of the perspectives and approaches available to a wider audience.

Like dullard heap-of-decontextualised coins on a kitchen table-top collectors, if they read any of the theoretical literature at all.  

Coin finds are an integral part of the archaeological record. By studying coins in the contexts in which they were found, a great deal of information can be gained on how coins functioned in past societies. Where archaeology and numismatics are truly combined, the enormous potential of this approach is apparent. The conclusions contribute to our understanding of the use, loss and deposition of coins in antiquity, their circulation speed, the manner and pace in which coins were brought into a society, etc.; conclusions which are not only of interest to numismatists, but also to archaeologists, anthropologists and historians alike.[...] this approach to coins is one of the ways forward in numismatics. The future lies with young scholars, and these are the ones most open to new methods in research and so many younger scholars were invited to participate in the colloquium."

Coins in Context - Methodological Overviews:

• H.-M. von Kaenel, "Coins in context - a personal approach"
• N.T. Elkins, "Coins, contexts, and an iconographic approach for the 21st century"
• St. Krmnicek, "Das Konzept der Objektbiographie in der antiken Numismatik"

Coins in Context - Potential at Site Level:

• P. Beliën, "From coins to comprehensive narrative? The coin finds from the Roman army camp on Kops Plateau at Nijmegen: problems and opportunities"
• H. Brem, "Lignum aere perennius? Dendrochronology and Roman coin circulation - taking stock and looking to the future using finds and features from Oberwinterthur"
• B. Kaczynski and M. Nüsse, "Reverse type selection in sanctuaries? A study of antoniniani found in various contexts"
• D. Wigg-Wolf, "Sites as context"

Coins in Context - Potential Uses:

• L. Bjerg, "On the trail of ancient trading places? Finds of Roman denarii from settlements in Jutland - froman an archaeological point of view"
• F. Kemmers, "Sender or receiver? Contexts of coin supply and coin use"
• N. Myrberg, "The social identity of coin hoards: an example of theory and practice in the space between numismatics and archaeology"
• M. Nick, "Economic and social patterns in Celtic coin use"

The book was published four years ago, I wonder how many ACCG collectors or dealers have read it yet? It is worth asking particularly those among their number who boast of knowing everything there is to know about numismatics, having devoured a mountain of coiney books. Was this among them?

Vignette: Coins studied by context and association.