Münzproduktion und Münzversorgung in den Nordwestprovinzen in der frühen und mittleren Kaiserzeit

Abstract

The reign of Septimius Severus saw a dramatic change in the supply of fresh coins to the north-west provinces. The flow of bronze to the area virtually ceased and from the end of the 2nd century the British, German and Gallic provinces were supplied almost exclusively with silver. At the same time the flow of silver to the North European Barbaricum was abruptly reduced. Previously this caesura was attributed to the reduction in the fineness of the denarius, however, today it is generally regarded as the result of a conscious political decision to stop the payment of subsidies, etc. to the Germani.
What were the reasons behind this change? Were the payments to the Germani stopped because there was a shortage of silver and it was more urgently needed within the Empire? There must have been enormous pressure on the imperial finances: Severus doubled military pay.