Press Releases
Treasure found in North-West Wales
Date:
2022-06-30Three finds of coins, dating from the Roman to Post-Medieval periods, were declared treasure on Wednesday 29th June by Ms Katie Sutherland, Acting Senior Coroner for North-West Wales.
A group of 19 Roman copper alloy coins (Treasure Case 19.04) was discovered by James Rowlands while metal detecting on a pasture field in Bryngwran Community, Anglesey on 13th January 2019. The coins, of radiate type, were mostly minted between AD 260 and AD 274. This was a period when Britain, Gaul and Spain had broken away from the rest of the Roman Empire to form an independent Gallic Empire. The coin group contains two unofficial copies, known as barbarous radiates, which were likely made in c. AD 275-285. They indicate that the coins were probably buried during this time.
A Medieval coin group comprising 26 silver coins (Treasure Case 20.10) was discovered by Levi Hussey and Chris Jones while metal detecting on a pasture field in Tref Alaw Community, Anglesey on 20th June 2020. The find consists of 21 silver pennies and 5 silver halfpennies of Henry III of England (1216-1272) and Alexander III of Scotland (1249-1286). The coins are types that were minted between AD 1247 and AD 1280 but these were probably lost as the contents of a purse around AD 1258-1279.
Alastair Willis, Senior Curator: Numismatics and the Welsh Economy, says:
“Scottish pennies were made to the same size and weight as English pennies and had similar designs. As a result, they are found across Britain, including in hoards.”
Oriel Môn would like to acquire this coin group for their collection, following its independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.
Ian Jones, Building and Collections Manager at Oriel Môn commented:
“Oriel Môn is excited to acquire these historically important finds for the museum collection. These ancient coins will help us learn more about Anglesey’s past. We look forward to developing positive links with the finders and landowners and are eager to work with them when we develop our plans to display and present these finds.”
Four silver coins of Elizabethan and Stuart date (Treasure Case 20.14) were discovered by Ashley Hill while metal detecting on a pasture field in Llanbedr Community, Gwynedd on 12th October 2020. Included in the find are a silver halfgroat of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), two silver shillings and a silver sixpence, all of Charles I (1625-1649). The coins show a high degree of wear, suggesting they were in circulation until the mid to late 17th century, probably being lost at this date as the contents of a purse, or perhaps deliberately buried as a very small savings hoard.
Storiel Museum & Art Gallery, Bangor would like to acquire this coin group for their collection, following its independent valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.
ENDS