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Ancient Roman coins found by metal detectorists expected to sell for over $40k

A trio with over 90 years metal detecting experience between them, made the unlikely discovery during a camping weekend.

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Some of the hoard. (Noonans via SWNS)

By Lauren Beavis via SWNS

Three metal-detectorists have discovered more than 150 ancient Roman coins - which are expected to fetch tens of thousands at auction.

Herds manager, Mick Rae, 63, computer shop owner Robert Abbott, 53, and carpenter Dave Allen, 59, discovered a total of 161 coins, comprising silver siliqua and miliarense dating from AD 340-402.

The trio, who have over 90 years detecting experience between them, made the unlikely discovery during a camping weekend in Wiltshire, England.

The collection of coins is now expected to sell in the region of £30,000 to £40,000 ( $37,476- $49,968) by specialist coin, medal and jewelry auctioneers Noonans.

Some of the discovered coins. (Robert Abbott / Noonans via SWNS)
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Robert, who lives in Essex, said the rare discovery occurred over two days in September 2020, just after the first COVID-19 lockdown had finished.

He said: “Having finished breakfast first, I turned on my machine, a Minelab Equinox 800, and having walked around six paces from the tent, I found several tent pegs and just under the surface a late Roman silver siliqua in pristine condition.

"A few moments later beside it, I found another one.”

Robert's find prompted Mick, from Wiltshire and Dave, from Essex, to eagerly grab their detectors and assist in the search

Robert added: “Ironically, we had been camping there two weeks previous for a week-long detecting outing.

"What we hadn’t realized is we’d actually camped right on top of the area where the coins were found.

"We are looking forward to the forthcoming auction but at the moment, we have no idea how we will spend the money.”

Dave Allen finding one of the coins. (Robert Abbott / Noonans via SWNS)
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The British Museum has also studied the coins and is keeping two for its collection.

Nigel Mills, Consultant (Artefacts and Antiquities) at Noonans says all of the coins are in "mint condition" and have not needed a "clean" since their discovery.

He said: "The hoard was buried at a time when Roman rule in Britain under the Emperor Honorius was no longer viable with the army being recalled to protect other provinces.

"In AD 410 Britain was told to protect itself by Honorius.

“As a result Britain has become a treasure island of late 4th century and early 5th century gold and silver Roman coin and jewelry hoards as the local population buried their valuables and then fell victim to Saxon raids."

Noonans will be auctioning the hoard of 142 coins on Tuesday, May 17 at their Mayfair saleroom.

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