File:Iron Age coin mould fragment (Box 2, no. 8, 'Puckeridge' tray form) (FindID 414756).jpg

An assemblage of ceramic coin mould fragments dating from the Late Iron Age.

The assemblage comprises approximately 2600 fragments ranging in size from 5mm to 106mm and greatly varying in terms of preservation. Two tray types are represented (although others may be present). The first, the 'Verulamium' type, has been noted elsewhere and takes the form of a pedimented square with 50 pellet holes, arranged in a seven by seven square, with a further hole at the top; the second, unparalleled, 'Puckeridge', type is rectangular and has 25 holes. The holes in all trays have been made using a dibber tool. The diameter of the holes varies and appears to be related to the tray type, the Puckeridge trays seemingly having holes of a larger diameter than the Verulamium ones; there is, however, no evidence for a correlation between the style of tray and the size or composition of pellet produced, as it would have been possible to cast a pellet of a smaller diameter than the hole. The sides of the some of the fragments exhibit longitudinal grooves and ridges, which may have had meaning or may be from the linings of the moulds in which the trays appear to have been formed. Some pieces of tray have been coated with a calcium carbonate wash, one hole has an adhering globule of copper, while a few of the holes have a clay cap of uncertain function. The pieces show varying levels of firing.

Note: the above description is a summary of 'The Puckeridge Coin Mould Assemblage: an interim report' (Landon 2009). The attached photographs are also based on the discussions in the above report and highlight some of the more noteworthy fragments. The moulds are due to be published in full (BAR forthcoming).