Treasure hunters have achieved a groundbreaking feat by unearthing the largest coin hoard ever discovered in the British Isles. A staggering 69,347 Roman and Celtic coins, estimated to be worth £10 million, were found buried three feet beneath a hedge in Jersey, Channel Isles.
Over the course of 30 years, metal detectorists Reg Mead and Richard Miles meticulously scoured the field after a woman reported seeing what resembled silver buttons in the area. Their remarkable discovery in 2012 surpasses the previous record of 54,951 Iron Age coins found in Wiltshire in 1978.
The coins, dating back to around 50 BC, were meticulously sealed inside a slab of clay. These intriguing relics, now recognized by the Guinness World Records, are set to be displayed at La Hougue Bie Museum on the island.
Curator of archaeology at Jersey Heritage, Olga Finch, expressed delight, stating, “We are not surprised at this achievement and are delighted that such an impressive archaeological item was discovered, examined and displayed in Jersey.”
Mr. Miles shared his involvement in the process, emphasizing the satisfaction of receiving the Guinness World Record certificates. The coins, declared ‘treasure’ under the Treasure Act 1996, officially belong to the Queen, although the finders are entitled to a reward.
There were 69,347 coins inside the large clay tablet, that weighed three quarters of a tonne
The hoard, encased in a massive three-quarters-ton clay tablet measuring 55 x 31 x 8 inches, is a remarkable testament to the island’s historical significance. Some coins in the collection are speculated to be valued at £100 each, contributing to a valuation of several million pounds, excluding the precious jewelry found alongside them.
Debate surrounds the potential impact on their value due to the sheer quantity discovered, potentially diminishing their rarity. Regardless, this extraordinary find adds another chapter to Jersey’s international acclaim in Iron Age coinage research, showcasing the island’s world-class heritage.