Amateur Detectorist Discovers One of Britain’s Largest Roman Coin Hoards

In an extraordinary turn of events, 51-year-old amateur metal detectorist Laurence Egerton stumbled upon one of the most significant Roman coin hoards ever discovered in Britain. The remarkable find was made in a field near Seaton, East Devon, as Egerton was scanning the area with his metal detector.

What began as a routine exploration quickly turned into the discovery of a lifetime. Egerton unearthed hundreds of coins buried just beneath the surface, prompting an urgent call to local authorities and archaeologists. Recognizing the potential historical and monetary value of the find, he became increasingly concerned that it could be stolen before experts arrived. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and caution, Egerton took it upon himself to guard the site—camping there for three consecutive nights until a professional archaeological team arrived to begin the official excavation.

The hoard, later determined to contain over 22,000 coins dating back to the late 3rd century AD, was carefully extracted from the ground under expert supervision. Most of the coins were bronze, and many featured the likenesses of emperors from the time, including Constantine I and his successors. Experts believe the hoard may have been deliberately buried during a period of political instability and economic uncertainty in Roman Britain.

The discovery has been hailed as one of the most significant Roman hoards ever found in the UK. It offers valuable insights into the economy, trade, and turmoil of Roman Britain. The coins have since been taken to a local museum for conservation and study, with plans for public display in the future.

For Laurence Egerton, what started as a hobby turned into a contribution of immense historical importance—one that will enrich Britain’s archaeological record for generations to come.

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