ITEM: Coins reused as Lorica Squamata (3 pieces) MATERIAL: Bronze CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 22 mm to 27 mm diameter CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex American private collection, acquired between 1980s - 1990s The Lorica Squamata, or Roman scale armor, was typically constructed from thousands of small, overlapping metal scales (squamae) sewn or wired onto a flexible backing of leather or fabric. While the vast majority of these scales were purpose-made from bronze or iron sheets, the resourcefulness of Roman military logistics and the desire for ready repair and recycling sometimes led to the improvisation of materials. In exceptional cases, archaeological evidence suggests that small, worn, or low-denomination bronze coins, especially during periods of economic instability or when official supplies were scarce, could be pressed into service as substitutes for the standard scales. This practice was a practical example of the Roman principle of re-use and repair, turning obsolete or devalued currency into essential protective gear. The repurposing of coins for lorica squamata is a compelling illustration of late Roman military expediency, particularly in frontier or less-supplied regions where the immediate need for armor repair outweighed the need for numismatic value. Unlike the custom-crafted scales, which had standardized dimensions and multiple punched holes for wiring, the coins would have required modifications, typically one or more holes drilled or punched into the edge or face to facilitate their attachment to the armor's backing. When arranged and overlapped correctly, the inherent shape and metal composition of the bronze coinage offered a viable, if slightly heavier, protective layer. While no complete armor made entirely of coins is known, the presence of modified coins in association with armor fragments points to their occasional, opportunistic inclusion. These coin-scales are significant as historical artifacts because they bridge the fields of military history and numismatics, providing a tangible link between the Roman economy and its military hardware. They show that in the life of a legionary, particularly towards the later stages of the Empire, the intrinsic value of a piece of metal—whether as currency or as protection—could be fluid. The image or portrait stamped on the coin, originally a symbol of imperial authority, would thus become part of a soldier's personal defense, demonstrating a pragmatic adaptation of available materials to maintain the functional integrity of a complex piece of equipment like the lorica squamata. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.