Record 15,000 Roman Coins Unearthed in Wales by Shocked Detectorist

A Remarkable Discovery of Roman Coins in Wales

A remarkable discovery has captured the attention of historians and treasure hunters alike. A haul of up to 15,000 Roman coins, buried in two clay pots, was found in a Welsh field by a metal detectorist who was completely taken aback by the find.

The trove was uncovered by David Moss, a 36-year-old from Cheshire, during a metal detecting session with a friend. The discovery could potentially be the largest hoard ever found in Wales, marking a significant moment in the region's archaeological history.

Before taking the coins to experts at the National Museum Cardiff, Mr. Moss took precautions by sleeping with them in his car for three days, fearing they might be stolen. This decision highlights the value and importance of the find, as well as the responsibility that comes with such a discovery.

The discovery happened after a long day of metal detecting in the rain. Just when the pair were about to give up, a bright rainbow appeared, which Mr. Moss described as a sign that their persistence would pay off. What they found was beyond anything he had ever imagined.

After immediately reporting the find and notifying the landowner, Mr. Moss and his friend, Ian Nicholson, received expert guidance to carefully excavate the 2,000-year-old clay pots over the course of six hours.

Mr. Moss then took the coins to the National Museum Cardiff, making a four-hour drive to ensure their safekeeping. Anthony Halse, chairman of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Numismatic Society, told the BBC that this hoard could be the biggest discovery in Wales.

Mr. Moss is set to benefit financially from his find in the coming months. Under the 1996 Treasure Act, any object declared as treasure becomes the property of the Crown. It is then kept safe so that museums or galleries in England can purchase it. The proceeds from the sale are typically shared between the finder and the landowner.

If no institution opts to buy the coins, they can be purchased by a private buyer. This means that Mr. Moss may have a windfall on the horizon, depending on the interest shown by potential buyers.

Mr. Moss took up metal detecting nearly a decade ago and found his first cache of coins in 2018. His latest discovery comes after a similar find of nearly 6,000 coins buried in two pots at Sully in the Vale of Glamorgan in 2008. In the 1990s, a hoard of 10,000 coins was found near the Welsh town of Chepstow.

The largest ever find in Britain was the Cunetio Hoard, discovered in Wiltshire in 1978. This recent discovery in Wales adds to the rich history of Roman artifacts found across the UK.

This find not only highlights the ongoing interest in archaeology and historical treasures but also underscores the role of amateur metal detectorists in uncovering significant pieces of history. As the story of these Roman coins continues to unfold, it will undoubtedly spark further interest and discussion among historians and the public alike.