In a remarkable tale of patience, perseverance, and historical significance, an anonymous metal detectorist from East Norfolk has unearthed what is now declared the largest-ever hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold coins. The discovery, spanning three decades, has captivated archaeologists and historians, shedding light on the early Kingdom of East Anglia and its ties to the wider world.
The journey began around 1990 when the detectorist found his first coin, sparking a lifelong passion for uncovering hidden treasures. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that the real breakthrough occurred, with the bulk of the treasure—131 coins in total—being unearthed between 2014 and 2020. The find, classified as bullion, predominantly consists of Frankish tremisses dating from 580 A.D. to 630 A.D. It also includes nine Roman gold solidi, a gold pendant, two gold pieces, a small gold bar, and fragments believed to be from ancient jewelry.
The significance of this discovery goes beyond its sheer size. Tim Pestell, senior curator of archaeology at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, emphasized the find’s international importance. “This internationally significant find reflects the wealth and Continental connections enjoyed by the early Kingdom of East Anglia,” Pestell stated. He highlighted the potential for the hoard to unlock insights into early trade and exchange systems, offering a glimpse into the importance of west Norfolk to East Anglia’s rulers in the seventh century.
In an unexpected twist, the story took a dark turn when an ex-policeman attempted to profit from the same field, falsely claiming 10 coins as separate finds. The individual’s deception was exposed in 2017, leading to his dismissal from the police force and a subsequent 16-month prison sentence.
The fate of the extraordinary hoard now hangs in the balance as local authorities determine whether it meets the legal criteria to be designated as treasure. For an item to be classified as such, it must be over 300 years old and consist of more than 10 percent precious metals. If the verdict leans in favor of treasure designation, the Crown will claim ownership, paving the way for a potential sale to Norwich Castle Museum with support from the British Museum.
This discovery, although rivaling the famous Sutton Hoo find in neighboring Suffolk, is distinct in its composition. While Sutton Hoo contained a larger quantity of gold, the Norfolk hoard boasts a greater number of coins. The revelation underscores that, during this period, local mints were not yet producing coins in the area, emphasizing the reliance on currency from external sources.
Gareth Williams, early medieval coins curator at the British Museum, expressed the profound significance of this find. “It is the largest coin hoard of the period known to date,” he remarked, emphasizing its transformative impact on understanding the economy of early Anglo-Saxon England when considered alongside other recent discoveries in East Anglia and beyond.
As the metal detectorist’s backyard continues to yield clues to a bygone era, the world awaits the coroner’s decision, which will not only determine ownership but also contribute to reshaping our understanding of a pivotal chapter in history.