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Pleased about potin coins
I was so amused when I saw the ‘pastry potin’ coins on the ‘Letters’ page in CA 432. I remember David Holman some years ago showing a group of members of the Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society (IOTAS – now sadly closed down) some potin coins found in Thanet. He was a long-term member of the Society and was absolutely delighted to be able to examine them closely, and his enthusiasm was infectious! What a brilliant idea, making edible versions – I thought they would make a wonderful top pastry layer for mince pies in the festive season. I was also truly impressed that David had made edible versions of so many of the different groups of potins – he is a true perfectionist.
Margaret Symonds, Chair of Isle of Thanet Archaeological Society 2011-2025
Blast from the past
As a keen brass musician, I really enjoyed reading your ‘Special report’ about the near-complete carnyx that was found in Norfolk (CA 432). You mention that the mouthpiece was still present, which is particularly exciting – I would love to see a photo, to see how it compares to those of modern instruments.
Now that we have such a complete example, I wish the pieces could be scanned to create 3D-printed replica instruments so more people can try playing them. I’m curious to know, too, whether excavated carnyces are all of a standard size – could you have had soprano, tenor, and bass carnyces? And were they always played in groups? I wonder if – alongside use in battle and ceremonies – they might also have been played for entertainment, perhaps in an ensemble of different instruments, or even a carnyx quartet?
Simon C B Jones, Shoreham-by-Sea
CA AWARDS – The results are in!
We are pleased to share the winners of this year’s CA Awards, announced on 28 February at Current Archaeology Live! 2026.
Archaeologist of the Year (sponsor: Andante Travels): Dr Jane Kershaw
Research Project of the Year (sponsor: Wessex Insurance Brokers Ltd): Fit for an emperor? Excavating a monumental building from
Roman Carlisle
Rescue Project of the Year (sponsor: Udig Excavations Ltd): The Melsonby Hoard: exploring unprecedented insights into Iron Age Yorkshire
Book of the Year (sponsor: The Royal Archaeological Institute): An Irish Civil War Dugout – Tormore Cave, County Sligo: archaeology, history, memory
CA ONLINE
David Walker @daveyw73: Excellent, thought-provoking, Berg Rust lecture on #borderlands in antiquity by Christopher Catling @Hughes_Hall @CurrentArchaeo
Pete Savin @pete_savin: I’m looking forward to heading down to @CurrentArchaeo Live in February. Fingers crossed for the awards. #archaeology #Carlisle #HadriansWall
NTS-Archaeology @nts-archaeology.bsky.social: Look what just dropped on the doormat! The latest issues of #CurrentArchaeology and our work on Ben Lomond made it on to the front cover! @currentarchaeology.bsk.social @n-t-s.bsky.social @nattrustarch.bsky.social
Write to us at: CA Letters, Current Publishing, Office 120, 295 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4HH, or by email to: letters@archaeology.co.uk
For publication: 300 words max; letters may be edited.
