In a remarkable discovery that feels more like something out of a historical fiction novel, a group of workers in Worcestershire, England, stumbled upon a buried treasure while going about their usual construction duties. What they unearthed was no ordinary find—one of the largest collections of Roman coins ever discovered in the UK.
A Historic Discovery
The treasure, found in a construction site near Worcester, contains a staggering total of 1,368 Roman and Iron Age coins. These coins date back to the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero, offering a rare glimpse into the past. Archaeologists have called this find “miraculous,” as it’s one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the region in over a century. The value of this treasure is not only historical but also financial, estimated to be worth more than £100,000 (around €120,000), according to reports from the BBC.
The collection primarily consists of denarii, silver coins that weigh around 3 to 4 grams, and span a broad period from the Roman Republic era in 157 BC up to Nero’s reign between 54 and 68 AD. In addition to the silver coins, the treasure includes a gold coin, a stater from the Iron Age, minted by the Dobunni, a Celtic tribe that lived in the western and southwestern parts of modern-day Britain between 20 and 45 AD.
According to Murray Andrews, a professor of archaeology at University College London, this discovery provides an invaluable connection to life 2,000 years ago. “This is an important archaeological piece that tells us what was happening here when the Malvern Hills may have been the boundary of the Roman Empire,” Andrews explained. It’s a remarkable find that adds layers of history to our understanding of the Roman presence in Britain.
Who Did the Treasure Belong To ?
The mystery of who owned this treasure has intrigued experts. Based on the evidence, it’s believed that the coins belonged to a wealthy local farmer. This individual likely amassed his fortune by supplying the Roman army with grain and livestock. The discovery of the treasure buried in a clay pot suggests that it was a substantial amount of money—one that would have been a considerable fortune at the time.
Following the discovery, the treasure was officially declared as such by a coroner in June 2024. Now, the Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums charity is working to raise funds to purchase the collection and display it for the public to see. If the funds aren’t raised, the treasure will be returned to the finder or the landowner, and it will never be displayed for public viewing.
This is not the first treasure to be found in the area. In fact, this is the third such discovery in Worcestershire in the past 25 years. In 1999, a stash of 434 silver coins and 38 shards of pottery were uncovered. Then, in 2011, a clay pot containing 3,784 coins was found. Given this history, one wonders if more treasures are buried just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
It’s exciting to think about the stories these ancient coins could tell. This find serves as a powerful reminder that history is all around us—even in the most unexpected places.
