Talk about luck! A Bournemouth resident named Mickey Richardson recently transformed a simple raffle win into the discovery of a lifetime. Just three months after snagging a top-of-the-range metal detector in a Facebook group raffle, Richardson unearthed a jaw-dropping hoard of 234 silver coins—worth a whopping £23,000!
Now, I’ve entered many a metal detecting raffle myself, and I’ve never ever won a box of chocolates—so you can imagine how envious I am of Mickey’s incredible fortune! I always find it fascinating how certain events lead to other events, if he hadn’t of won that detector in the raffle, he may have missed the signal and never found the hoard. It was meant to be!
The Great Coin Hunt
So, picture this: Mickey, a relative newbie to the world of metal detecting, finds himself knee-deep in a muddy field that once served as a hop garden. This isn’t your typical Saturday out, but hey, that’s what makes it exciting! The coins were believed to be buried for safekeeping during the tumultuous English Civil War back in 1644. Legend has it that the poor farmer who stashed them away might have never returned, probably due to the whole “getting killed in a conflict” thing. Yikes!
Mickey kicked off his epic weekend by digging up a coin with the familiar face of King Charles I. After that, it was a treasure-hunting frenzy! “I was just about to call it a day when I got a strong signal and found my first silver coin,” he said, excitement bubbling in his voice. “Then it was like a treasure avalanche—one signal after another! I couldn’t believe my luck!”
A Historical Jackpot
The hoard features coins from the reigns of King Edward VI, Queen Elizabeth I, James I, and, of course, King Charles I. Some of the Elizabethan and James’ coins had even been scratched, likely by a disgruntled Catholic owner protesting Protestant rule. Talk about a dramatic backstory!
After reporting the find to his local Finds Liaison Officer (as you do when you strike gold—err, silver), the coins were sent off to the British Museum for a thorough examination under the Treasure Act (1996). Eventually, they were returned to Mickey, who watched with bated breath as they sold for £18,500 at auction, with the final tally hitting an astonishing £23,000.
Another amazing example of what you could find in the UK metal detecting, this is why we all love it so much!
Plans for the Treasure
Now, Mickey must share his newfound wealth with the landowner, but he’s already plotting a well-deserved summer getaway with his wife, Rosalynd. “This is about the history and preserving the coins,” he said with a grin, “but the money? That’s just icing on the cake!”
Gregory Edmund from Spink chimed in, noting that it’s a rare treat to handle such a significant find. “These coins are not just pieces of metal; they tell the story of a pivotal time in our nation’s history,” he explained.
With nearly 400 Civil War hoards documented across the UK, Mickey’s find is a shining example of how metal detecting can turn an ordinary day into a historical adventure.
Photo Credit: Bournemouth Echo/Mickey Richardson
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
