Zecca di Mediolanum

The Zecca di Mediolanum was a Roman mint facility in Milan where ancient stone walls and foundations still remain today. The archaeological ruins were discovered beneath the former Bank of Italy building and reveal the structure of a workplace that produced coins for the empire.

Emperor Gallienus founded this mint around 260 CE to produce coins for the Roman Empire across the northern territories. The facility operated for over two centuries until coin production ended under Emperor Majorian in 461 CE.

The mint produced coins bearing imperial portraits and symbols that reflected both the power and artistic values of Roman rule in the north. Coins from this facility served as small advertisements of imperial authority that traveled throughout the region.

The remains are located underground in central Milan near the site of the ancient Roman forum. The site is not freely accessible to the public and can only be viewed through guided archaeological tours or special exhibitions.

Coins from this mint often carry the letters MD stamped on them, shorthand for Mediolanum that helps archaeologists trace where each coin was made. These markings act like fingerprints from antiquity, connecting the metal pieces directly to this northern Roman facility.