Historic Norman Conquest Treasure Sold for £4.3M

BBC News
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A stunning find of a horde of silver pennies from the Norman Conquest has captivated treasure hunters and historians alike, recently selling for a staggering £4.3 million. This remarkable discovery was made in Somerset by a group of metal detectorists back in 2019, who couldn't believe their luck upon unearthing approximately 2,584 coins. After nearly six years of waiting for the valuation process, the excitement of the find has culminated in its sale, making it the highest value treasure found in the UK to date. The treasure was initially discovered amidst a community effort, which made it feel akin to winning the lottery. The monetary rewards from this historic find are now set to change the lives of the seven detectorists involved, allowing them to share in the benefits. One member has even shared that the financial windfall facilitated a mortgage-free house purchase, illustrating how such discoveries can transform lives. The British Museum played a vital role in the process by determining the treasure's status, as only a fraction of the 14,000 finds evaluated each year are declared treasure. Furthermore, this find boasts an impressive number of coins from prominent historical figures, including Harold II and William the Conqueror, making it a significant insight into Britain's monetary history. The successful sale highlights the ongoing allure of treasure hunting, as enthusiasts remain eager to dig, always hoping to uncover valuable artifacts.
Highlights
  • • A horde of silver pennies discovered in Somerset sold for £4.3 million.
  • • The discovery was made by metal detectorists in 2019.
  • • The find consisted of 2,584 silver pennies from the Norman Conquest.
  • • The treasure is the highest value ever found in the UK.
  • • The coins include those from Harold II and William the Conqueror.
  • • The find underwent a six-year evaluation process.
  • • The financial reward allowed one finder to buy a house mortgage-free.
  • • The British Museum plays a role in declaring treasures.
  • • Treasure hunting remains a captivating pursuit for enthusiasts.
  • • On average, only 1,500 of 14,000 finds are declared as treasure.
* dvch2000 helped DAVEN to generate this content on 10/23/2024 .

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