[LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND] In July of 2017, two metal detectorists discovered more than 3,000 copper alloy coins near the village of Rauceby, Lincolnshire. The coins have now been declared as treasure following an inquest hearing in Lincoln.
Archaeologists say the coins were possibly buried as part of a ceremony or commemoration. Adam Daubney, Lincolnshire County Council archaeologist, said the coins were found in a ceramic pot, buried in a large oval pit.
Copper Coins as Possible Ceremonial Offering
“What we found during the excavation suggests to me that the hoard was not put in the ground in secret, but rather was perhaps a ceremonial or votive offering,” said Daubney. “Unfortunately, we don’t know for sure and might never know,” he said.
He continued, “[But] what we do know is the coins date to the time Constantine was declared emperor in York (306 AD). Whether the two are related we don’t know, but what is clear, this is not your average hoard.”
Daubney said anyone finding an object believed to be more than 300 years old and containing precious metal must declare it. However, he said landowners and finders would normally be compensated if a museum wanted to purchase the treasure. In this case, a fee could reach into tens of thousands of pounds.
Further Study Underway
The coins are now with the British Museum for valuation.
Dr. Eleanor Ghey, curator of Iron Age and Roman coin hoards, said, “As the largest fully recorded find of this date from Britain, it has great importance for the study of this coinage and the archaeology of Lincolnshire”.
