In a stroke of luck reminiscent of a tale from antiquity itself, amateur historian Mike Smale, 35, stumbled upon a treasure trove of 2,000-year-old Roman silver coins, valued at a staggering £200,000. The discovery, made while Smale was out hunting with fellow members of the Southern Detectorists club in a farmer’s field in Bridport, has sent waves of excitement through the archaeological community.
Some of the metal coins were minted during the era of Mark AntonyCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Historian Mike Smale shakes hand with Anthony Butler who manages the farm where hundreds of Roman denarii have been found in Bridport, DorsetCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The hoard, consisting of 600 rare denarii, represents a find of unparalleled magnitude. Some of these ancient coins, minted during the time of Mark Antony’s alliance with Cleopatra in Egypt, offer a glimpse into a pivotal period in Roman history. Numismatic expert Dominic Chorney noted the significance of these artifacts, citing their depictions of gods and celebrations of various legions under Antony’s command.
It is believed a pot of coins were under the earth and hit by a plough, scattering across the fieldCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The find was one of the most exciting for the groupCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
What makes this discovery truly exceptional is not just its size, but also the variety of coins unearthed. From coins issued by the Roman Republic to those minted by emperors reigning in the first century AD, each piece tells a story of a bygone era. Among them is a coin struck for the short-lived emperor Otho, whose reign lasted a mere three months during the tumultuous aftermath of Nero’s assassination.
For Smale, a fisherman from Plymouth, Devon, this find is the culmination of a lifelong passion for history and archaeology. While the coins will undergo valuation by the coroner and likely find a home in a museum, Smale remains steadfast in his resolve to hold onto this remarkable piece of history.
The circumstances surrounding the discovery add a layer of intrigue to an already captivating narrative. Smale’s metal detector’s frantic beeping served as a prelude to the unearthing of coin after coin, painting a picture of a buried treasure waiting to be rediscovered. The theory that a pot of coins was inadvertently scattered by a plough only adds to the mystery shrouding this ancient cache.
A discovered of a similar size is not expected to be found againCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
A single coin can sell for up to £900Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
The excitement among the detecting community is palpable, with Sean MacDonald, the organizer of the event, describing the find as unprecedented. Indeed, the rarity and significance of this discovery have left even seasoned archaeologists astonished.
As the coins are carefully cataloged and studied, one thing is certain: the legacy of Mike Smale’s once-in-a-lifetime discovery will endure for generations to come, offering invaluable insights into the rich tapestry of Roman history. And while the coins themselves may change hands, their story will forever remain a testament to the enduring allure of archaeological exploration.