THE COIN ASSEMBLY AS A VOTIVE DEPOSIT IN IRON AGE. THE CASE OF COINS IN THE RITUAL COMPLEX AT THE DACIAN FORTRESS OF COSTEȘTI-CETĂȚUIE (HUNEDOARA COUNTY, ROMANIA)

The present paper is focusing on the interpretation of a coin deposit found within a sacred area at one of the key fortresses in Iron Age Dacia – Costești-Cetățuie.Based on a detailed catalogue, the analysis is taking into account the closest analogy, the geographic area of coin type distribution, the monetary iconography and the comparison with similar situations from other parts of ancient Europe prior to the Roman conquest.Following these aspects, the conclusions are emphasizing the votive function instead of economic one of certain coins when deposited in specific areas and in association with particular artefacts. It is demonstrated that this ritual practice at the Costești is part of a general pattern.Chronologically, this votive deposit may be connected with the ritual activity at the Costești fortress in the aftermath of the Dacian king, Burebista, campaign at the Black Sea shore (second half of the 1st century BC)