Major Discovery of Roman Coins in Wales
An amateur metal detector enthusiast recently unearthed a remarkable trove of up to 15,000 Roman coins in what could be one of the most significant treasure finds in Welsh history. This saying, “If you look for it, you will find it,” rings true for this individual.
David Moss, 36, from Cheshire, made this astonishing find while digging up two clay pots in a location in the northern part of Wales, though he has opted to keep the exact spot confidential.
Interestingly, he was so concerned about the possibility of theft that he kept the treasure in his car for three days before deciding to hand it over to an expert. Now, the coins are safely stored at the Cardiff National Museum, where further analysis will take place. An expert has hinted that this could be Wales’ largest discovery to date.
David described the area as “virtually untouched,” emphasizing its historical significance, stating:
We’re talking from the time of the Druids and Vikings to the time of the Romans.
I just think it’s fascinating.
It is an area that will continue to interest me throughout my life.
According to reports, amateur detectorists have found sizable hidden treasures across the UK previously. For instance, Charlie Clark, a novice metal detectorist in 2019, discovered a stunning gold pendant in Warwickshire, England, featuring engravings of Tudor King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, his first wife.
Charlie remarked, “It was just outstanding. Especially in my lifetime, no one would ever think they could do this. You can’t imagine it in 30 lifetimes.”
In 2024, a British historian on the Isle of Man found a 1,000-year-old Viking “wallet” containing numerous silver coins, minted under various rulers mostly during the reigns of Edward the Confessor, Ethelred II of England, and Canute.
The historical society noted that many of these Irish coins date back to the early first millennium AD and were minted in Dublin, featuring King Sictric Silkbeard’s profile.
As for the current find, Anthony Hulse, 64, who leads the South Wales and Monmouthshire Numismatic Society, estimate that this could be the biggest find in Wales. He suggests that the coins may have belonged to a member of the Roman army, possibly buried for safekeeping.
“I would have thought that being part of a branch of the military was private property,” he commented.
Hulse also indicated that the Cardiff museum would figure out when the coins were buried. The process includes cleaning the coins and considering whether they can be housed in the British Museum due to their significant value.
Afterwards, an offer will be made to the finder, with half of the proceeds going to him and the other half to the landowner.
A representative from Cardiff Museum mentioned that the assessment could wrap up by next year.
