In a heartwarming Christmas tale, Paul Coleman, a 59-year-old unemployed man, stumbled upon one of the largest hoards of Anglo Saxon coins ever found in Britain, worth a staggering £1 million. The incredible discovery took place during an annual Christmas rally for members of the Weekend Wanderers Detecting Club in Lenborough, Buckinghamshire.
Mr. Coleman’s journey to this extraordinary find was marked by financial constraints. Unable to afford the petrol for the trip, he convinced his son and a friend to join him, allowing them to share the £45 cost for the journey. Little did they know that this decision would lead to a life-changing event.
The treasure, consisting of more than 5,000 silver coins, was unearthed in a lead-lined container buried two feet underground. The coins, minted during the reigns of Ethelred the Unready (978-1016) and Cnut (1016-1035), were remarkably well-preserved, offering a rare glimpse into a bygone era.
The location of the find, Lenborough in Buckinghamshire, is believed to be connected to a mint established by Ethelred at nearby Buckingham, which remained active during the time of Cnut. The coins’ pristine condition and historical significance make this discovery a crucial piece in the puzzle of Anglo Saxon history.
Mr. Coleman’s serendipitous find almost didn’t happen. Initially hesitant to join the Christmas rally due to its distance and budget constraints, he changed his mind when a friend decided to participate. The decision led to a last-minute change of plans, leading to the discovery that would redefine his life.
Describing the moment of discovery, Mr. Coleman said, “When we got in the field, we weren’t having much luck, and it was just as we were about to leave and go to another field that my metal detector started getting a signal.” What followed was an exhilarating moment of unearthing the lead-lined container and finding the gleaming coins.
Mr. Coleman, a metal detector hobbyist for four decades, plans to share his newfound wealth with his metal detecting friends—a customary tradition among enthusiasts. Additionally, he has pledged to use the money to buy a new house for his wife, Christine, and will share the proceeds with the landowner.
Ros Tyrrell, based at the county museum in nearby Aylesbury, who recorded the finds, highlighted the historical significance of the coins. She mentioned, “Those that we cleaned dated from the time of Ethelred the Unready and Cnut. There was a mint in Buckingham during their time, so the find is possibly connected to that, or indeed the Saxon burgh – a defended encampment – also in the area.”
The discovery has ignited excitement among historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on a fascinating chapter in British history. As the coins continue to be cleaned and examined, the story of this Christmas miracle unfolds, reminding us all that sometimes, the most remarkable treasures are found in the unlikeliest of places.
