A RARE Roman gold coin from almost 2000 years ago, which was found in the Scottish Borders, has gone on display.
Visitors to Trimontium Museum, Melrose, will be able to see the Roman gold coin, known as an aureus, on loan from National Museums Scotland.
The coin, which was discovered at Newstead in the Scottish Borders, was struck in AD 114-117 and depicts the emperor Trajan.
It also has a “propaganda image” of Parthian kings surrendering to the emperor on the reverse side.
It is part of a new display showing key coin finds associated with Trimontium and the Roman invasion and occupation of Scotland.
Part of the Aureus of Trajan exhibition, the gold coin can be seen at Trimontium Museum from April 3 and will remain in the Scottish Borders until the end of the year.
The loan is part of National Museums Scotland’s National Strategy, which sees collections and expertise shared through loans, participation in national projects, community engagement, and funding for acquisitions for museums across Scotland.
More than 2500 objects are currently on loan to Scottish organisations, helping to bring the National Collection to communities across the country.
National Museums Scotland has received more than £4 million in funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded through the Postcode Culture Trust.
The aureus display at Trimontium Museum is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
