In a remarkable archaeological find, Britain’s oldest hoard of gold coins has been unearthed by metal detectorist Stephen Eldridge. Dating back an astonishing 2,173 years, the twelve Iron Age artifacts provide valuable insights into the ancient trade and political dynamics of the region. This extraordinary discovery sheds light on a period when Celtic mercenaries and Roman conflicts played a pivotal role in shaping Britain’s early history.
Discovery and Historical Context:
Stephen Eldridge stumbled upon the hoard while exploring farmland in Buckinghamshire in November 2019. The coins, created around 150 BC, were identified by experts at the British Museum as originating from the Catuvellauni tribe, a dominant force in Britain during that era. The analysis indicates that the coins were crafted by a tribe from Picardy, France, and were likely exported to Britain in exchange for Celtic mercenaries who participated in conflicts against the Romans in Gaul.
A metal detectorist has uncovered Britain’s oldest hoard of gold coins dating back 2,173 years
The Economic Significance:
Scientific x-ray fluorescence analysis revealed that the coins are approximately 75% gold, with an alloy of silver and copper. This composition reflects the economic system in which Britain’s first gold coins circulated. Gregory Edmund of Spink & Son, the auction house handling the sale of the coins, emphasized the rarity of such a discovery, stating that while individual gold coins from this period have been found before, a hoard of this size and date is unprecedented in the archaeological record.
The Auction and Expected Value:
The coins, now expected to fetch £30,000 at auction, are a testament to the wealth and influence of the Catuvellauni tribe during the Iron Age. Gregory Edmund highlighted the potential influence wielded by the individuals who successfully imported this trove of gold coins, suggesting that they likely played a significant role in the region’s affairs.
Experts at the British Museum іdeпtіfіed them as originating from a tribe in what is now Picardy in France and made in 150BC
Unique Characteristics of the Coins:
The coins display a seldom-seen Iron Age art form, with remarkable details despite evident signs of use. The portraiture, modeled on the classical male god Apollo, is notably androgynous, reflecting the political significance of women in Iron Age society. Figures like Cartimandua and Boudicca, who rose to prominence during this period, are part of the national folklore, and the feminine styling of the coins suggests their political influence.
The discovery of Britain’s oldest hoard of gold coins provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the region. The artifacts not only underscore the economic and political ties between tribes in Britain and continental Europe but also shed light on the role of Celtic mercenaries in conflicts against the Romans. As these precious relics go up for auction, they offer an unprecedented opportunity for collectors and historians alike to delve deeper into the enigmatic past of Iron Age Britain.