potin

In numismatics, potin is a base metal alloy used in coins. It is typically a mixture of copper, tin and lead (in varying proportions) and does not typically contain significant precious metals. Potin is usually used in reference to Celtic and Ancient Indian coinage.

==In Celtic coinage== thumb|right|Iron Age class I potin ('Thurrock' type), In 1890, so-called Potin lumps were found, of which the largest weighs , at the Prehistoric pile dwelling settlement Alpenquai in Zürich (Vicus Turicum) in Switzerland. The pieces consist of a large number of fused Celtic coins, which are mixed with charcoal remnants. Some of the about 18,000 coins originate from the Eastern Gaul, and others are of the Zürich type, that were assigned to the local Helvetii, which date to around 100 BC. The find is so far unique, and the scientific research assumes that the melting down of the lump was not completed, therefore the aim was to form cult offerings. The site of the find was at that time at least from the lake shore, and probably to deep in the water.