Amateur metal detectorists unearth Britain’s ‘largest ever’ haul of Roman coins worth £15,000 as 3,000 are found hidden inside a ceramic pot in Lincolnshire
- The trove of more than 3,000 copper alloy coins was found by two detectorists
- Archaeologists believe the coins may have been buried as part of a ceremony
- They were found inside a ceramic pot in a rural field in Lincolnshire in 2017
- Estimates, and valuations of similar hoards, suggest a price of around £15,000.
A pile of 4th century Roman coins found by two metal detectorists is thought to be the largest hoard ever discovered in Britain.
More than 3,000 copper alloy coins were found inside a ceramic pot buried in a rural field in Lincolnshire in 2017.
Doctor Eleanor Ghey, curator of Roman Coin Hoards at the British Museum, believes they were buried around AD 307 following the emperor Constantius in York’s death.
At this time Roman coins had begun to be minted in London for the first time, she said, and then circulated throughout Britain.
‘As the largest fully recorded find of this date from Britain, it has great importance for the study of this coinage and the archaeology of Lincolnshire.’
A pile of 4th century Roman coins found by two metal detectorists is thought to be the largest hoard ever discovered in Britain. More than 3,000 copper alloy coins were found inside a ceramic pot buried in a rural field in Lincolnshire in 2017
The trove, which was found in an oval pit lined with limestone, has now been officially declared treasure following an inquest hearing.
Lincolnshire archaeologist Adam Daubney, said: ‘What we found during the excavation suggests to me that the hoard was not put in the ground in secret, but rather was perhaps a ceremonial or votive offering.’
The detectorists Rob Jones, 59, and Craig Paul, 32, said finding the coins was an incredibly humbling experience that neither of them will ever forget.
Mr Jones, an engineering teacher said that he and planner Craig Paul began digging into the earth after their metal detectors started beeping.
He said: ‘I’ve found a few things before, but absolutely nothing on this scale. I was totally amazed.
‘To be there and see the pot appear out of the ground was really something.’
Experts believe the limestone pit suggests the coins were buried deliberately as part of a ceremony.
Mr Daubney suggests that the hoard was not put in the ground in secret, but rather was ‘perhaps a ceremonial or votive offering’.
![Based on early estimates, and valuations of similar copper troves, suggest a price in the region of £15,000. The coins are currently being examined by the British Museum and will be valued by a group of independent experts](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/05/10/11/13335118-7014337-image-a-25_1557483564382.jpg)
Based on early estimates, and valuations of similar copper troves, suggest a price in the region of £15,000. The coins are currently being examined by the British Museum and will be valued by a group of independent experts
‘The Rauceby hoard is giving us further evidence for so-called ‘ritual’ hoarding in Roman Britain.’
The coins are currently being examined by the British Museum and will be valued by a group of independent experts.