In a remarkable discovery that has captivated historians and treasure enthusiasts alike, Laurence Egerton, a 51-year-old amateur metal detectorist, stumbled upon one of Britain’s largest Roman coin hoards near Seaton, East Devon. The find, comprising an astonishing 22,000 copper-alloy coins estimated to be around 1,500 years old, has been dubbed the Seaton Down Hoard.
The trove of 22,000 Roman coins (pictured) was found by Laurence Egerton in East Devon
Egerton’s dedication to safeguarding his find was as impressive as the discovery itself. Concerned about potential theft, he camped out for three consecutive nights while archaeologists meticulously excavated the site.
The significance of the Seaton Down Hoard lies not only in its sheer size but also in its remarkable preservation. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the collection boasts images of Emperor Constantine, his family, co-Emperors, and their predecessors and successors, providing valuable insights into the Roman era.
Declared treasure at a recent Devon Coroner’s Inquest, the hoard is now poised for acquisition by a museum pending valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee. Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) has expressed keen interest in acquiring the collection, initiating a fundraising campaign to secure its place in Devon’s historical narrative.
Devon County Archaeologist Bill Horner shed light on the rarity of such finds in the region, noting the challenges posed by the county’s slightly acidic soil, which typically leads to metal corrosion. The exceptional preservation of the coins in this instance has allowed for precise dating and identification.
The discovery adds to a rich tapestry of Roman coin hoards found in the South West of England, including the renowned Frome Hoard in Somerset and the Nether Compton Hoard in Dorset. However, the Seaton Down Hoard stands out for its sheer size and remarkable state of preservation.
As the museum endeavors to raise the necessary funds to acquire and display the hoard, anticipation builds among history enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse of these ancient artifacts, offering a rare window into the past for generations to come.