In an incredible discovery, a group of metal detector enthusiasts stumbled upon a treasure trove of silver pennies dating back over 1,000 years. Initially found in January 2019 in the Chew Valley area near Bath, England, these coins have recently been valued at a whopping $5.6 million (£4.3 million). This makes it the most valuable treasure ever discovered in England!
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On that fateful day, seven adventurers were exploring a muddy field when they began to dig. Despite facing a heavy thunderstorm, they dedicated four to five hours to their search. “We didn’t leave until we were sure we found all the coins,” Adam Staples, one of the finders, recalled in a 2019 interview. “We were soaked by the end!”
The British Museum called this remarkable find the “Chew Valley hoard,” highlighting its importance under the Treasure Act of 1996. The collection includes coins from King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, and coins from William the Conqueror, dating back to the Norman Conquest of 1066–1068 AD. The finders reported their discovery to a local officer, a crucial step in preserving historical artifacts.
Recently, the charity South West Heritage Trust announced that it acquired the hoard with the help of significant funding. They received over £4.4 million ($5.7 million) from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £150,000 ($195,000) from Art Fund. This will not only help preserve the coins but also support an engagement project and a permanent exhibit at the Museum of Somerset.
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“It’s fantastic, unbelievable,” Staples expressed to The Guardian on October 21. The thrill of finding one coin quickly turned into excitement as they discovered more and more. “Holding history in your hands was amazing, and the financial side is brilliant too!”
The proceeds from the sale will be split, with half going to the seven finders and the other half to the landowner, who has chosen to remain anonymous. Staples, who operates an auction house specializing in ancient coins, noted that this discovery has the potential to change his life significantly. In 2019, he shared that the treasure could allow him and his partner, Lisa Grace, to buy their own home. “It’s freedom!” he said.
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The coins will be displayed at the British Museum starting November 26 before touring other museums across the UK, with their final stop at the Museum of Somerset.