A metal detectorist’s discovery of a hoard of 35 Celtic gold coins, hidden beneath the soil for over two millennia, could fetch an estimated £20,000 at auction. This exciting find was made by Tony Asquith, a retired hobbyist who was metal detecting during a rally near Maidstone, Kent. Using his Minelab Equinox 800, Tony unearthed the coins, also known as staters, that date back to around 55 B.C., during the time when Julius Caesar was threatening Britain’s shores.
The Discovery
The treasure was found in a recently ploughed field during the Joan Allen Detecting Rally in August 2022. Tony’s detector first signalled some more common finds, such as a shotgun cartridge and wire, but then he got a stronger signal and unearthed what appeared to be a brownish coin. Looking more closely, he saw what he described as a pile of “chocolate buttons” laid out in the soil. Upon further investigation, these turned out to be Celtic gold coins hidden inside a flint nodule, which had likely been brought to the surface and cracked open during the recent ploughing.
Historical Significance
The coins date to a turbulent time in history when Julius Caesar had just conquered Gaul and attempted to invade Britain. While Caesar’s invasion was not successful, these coins, known as staters, bear witness to the intricate history of Celtic Britain during that period. They are also notable for their devolved horse designs, with a charioteer’s arm above, which were common motifs on Celtic coinage.
According to Nigel Mills, a coins and artifacts expert at Noonans Auction House, these coins are of great historical significance due to their age and their connection to Britain’s resistance to Roman invasion. The flint nodule that once concealed the coins is estimated to be between 70-90 million years old, adding a fascinating geological aspect to this discovery.
Auction and Value
The hoard is set to be auctioned by Noonans Mayfair on September 18, 2024, and is expected to fetch around £20,000. Such a remarkable discovery underscores the potential for uncovering historical treasures using metal detectors, a hobby that continues to grow in popularity across the UK.
For those interested in learning more about the laws surrounding treasure finds, check out our guide on metal detecting laws in the UK to ensure you’re following proper procedures when unearthing historical artifacts.
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.
