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.Historic news about the ancient site at Kalkriese
1908 - Friedrich Knoke
Friedrich Knoke was the headmaster of the Ratsgymnasium (Grammar School) Osnabrück. He was a passionate historian which is why he often developed rather daring theories. However, with regard to the finds of coins in Kalkriese he makes a pertinent remark:
»As is well known, many Roman coins dating from the time of the Emperor Augustus and the Roman Republic have been found in the area between Kalkriese and Venne north of Osnabrück and especially on the piece of land belonging to the "Herren von Bar auf Barenau". Theodor Mommsen has reported on this in "Die Örtlichkeit der Varusschlacht“ (English: The location of the Varus Battle). Even today this area is very rich in finds. According to Mommsen, the many finds of Augustan coins are "a numismatically unique fact”. Already in 1905, the "Osnabrücker historische Mitteilungen" (English: Historic news from Osnabrück) have reported on an aureus of time of Emperor Augustus which had been found by playing children on the acre of the tenant Schomacker. 
In the vicinity, another aureus was found last summer by the day labourer Bergmann who had been ploughing on the land of the tenant Sommerfrüchte. The auctioneer Rohtert zu Engter organised the purchase of this coin which is now in the possession of the Museum Osnabrück. The front side shows the head of a winged Victoria and the following inscription: C. ANTISTI. VETVS III VIR. The reverse shows a sacrifice. In the middle, there is an altar. On the right, there is a figure with a sacrificial bowl in the hand. On the left, there is a servant leading a bull. The inscription is: PRO VALETVDINE CAESARIS. Underneath: S.P.Q.R. According to Mommsen, Antistius Vetus minted in 16 BC, or 15 BC at the latest. Our find must therefore date back to that time. The coin is very valuable because of its rareness and good condition. It can be seen on board III, number 1a and b in an enlarged scale. Through the kindness of the owner, the aureus found in 1904 is also displayed in the same scale right next to it (number 2). The coins can be compared to the copy of a denarius with the same illustration which belongs to the collection of the Osnabrück Ratsgymnasium.«