The reference to ‘victoriati’ in Bloomberg Wax Tablet 31 has been interpreted as a request for 52 Roman quinarii. This paper argues that quinarii were not available in significant enough quantities to make such a payment and that a more credible alternative is to see these ‘victoriati’ as a reference to local, Celtic coinage, specifically the silver issues of Epaticcus or Cunobelin. This identification, supported by recent metallurgic studies, alongside data from hoards, excavations and the Portable Antiquities Scheme, suggests a more prolonged use of Celtic coinage in Roman London than has previously been appreciated. Supplementary material is available online and provides data supporting the assertions made.

Since 1991, recording of metal-detector and archaeological finds in east Kent has shown that Iron Age coins are far more numerous than previously thought. Their quantity and distribution suggests widespread use and acceptance. Continental links, suggesting trade activity, are also evident. A number of sites producing large numbers of coins and other evidence of Iron Age (and Roman) occupation have been identified, with chronological and functional differences being apparent. Away from these sites, significant numbers of coins have been recorded from across much of the surrounding area, enabling comparisons to be made between individual sites and the background distribution, leading to a greater understanding of Iron Age coinage and settlement in east Kent.