A rare collection of Norman-era silver coins, discovered five years ago in southwest England, has officially become Britain’s most valuable treasure.
Found by Amateur Treasure Hunters
The 2,584 coins, dating from 1066-1068, were recently purchased by a local heritage trust for £4.3 million (approximately $5.2 million).
This extraordinary find was made by seven amateur treasure hunters using metal detectors in the Chew Valley, just 11 miles south of Bristol. The group will split half of the proceeds, while the other half goes to the landowner.
The coins come from one of England’s most pivotal and tumultuous periods: the Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror in 1066, the last time England was successfully invaded, according to Digi24.
The oldest coins feature King Edward the Confessor, who died childless in January 1066, leaving the English throne in dispute. His death set off a chain of conflicts among Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex; Harald Hardrada, King of Norway; and William, Duke of Normandy, who would later emerge as the victor.
A Pivotal Moment in English History
Nearly half of the coins bear the likeness of King Harold II, Edward’s immediate successor, while the remaining coins feature William, reflecting England’s transition from Saxon to Norman rule.
"These coins capture a pivotal moment in English history," said Amal Khreisheh, an archaeology curator at South West Heritage Trust.
“This collection was likely buried around 1067-1068, during rebellions against William in southwest England. It’s a window into the intense resistance to Norman rule.”
Historians believe the coins may have been hidden for safekeeping during one of these uprisings. In 1068, the people of Exeter led a notable rebellion against William, with Harold’s exiled sons reportedly launching attacks in nearby regions, including Chew Valley.
The collection, which contains twice as many coins from Harold’s reign as all previous finds combined, is set to be displayed at the British Museum in London starting November 26 before being distributed to regional museums in southwest England.
