A Metal Detectorist’s Medieval Jackpot!
A lucky metal detectorist has struck historical gold—well, silver actually—by uncovering a hoard of medieval pennies near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. The treasure, which dates back to the 10th century, has officially been declared “treasure” (yes, that’s the technical term) at an inquest in Cockermouth Coroners’ Court.
A Penny for Your Thoughts—Or 20!
The haul of 20 hammered silver coins, discovered in February 2022, was hidden a modest 8-9 inches underground in Crosby. Assistant coroner Margaret Taylor confirmed that at least two of these coins contain more than 10% precious metal, and they all clock in at over 300 years old. That’s some serious pocket change!
One Man’s Find, Every Museum’s Dream
Now that the treasure status is official, museums are understandably lining up to get their hands on these medieval relics. The assistant coroner even mentioned a museum has already expressed interest. After all, these coins aren’t just any old loose change—they carry a whole lot of history from the days of Kings Athelstan, Edmund, and Eadred, who ruled between AD 924 and 955.
Treasure, Defined (Thank You, Lawmakers!)
A quick fun fact for you budding detectorists: if you stumble across anything over 200 years old and it contains metal, it might just be ‘treasure’ under the law. If you’re unsure about metal detecting laws, check out our comprehensive guide on metal detecting laws in the UK and USA to stay on the right side of history (and the law!). Thanks to a government tweak in 2023, such finds are considered deserving of public admiration, so keep that detector swinging!
The Treasure’s Tale
The Kirkby Stephen find is a mixed bag of history—eight coins are still intact and almost paper-thin, while the other twelve are a bit worse for wear, coming out in pieces. According to the expert from the British Museum, these coins were probably buried together. They share the same era, the same rulers, and, well, pretty much the same story of being lost to time. If you’re keen to know more about identifying your metal detecting finds, check out our detailed guide on identifying metal detecting finds to help you uncover the stories behind your discoveries.
The Crosby Garrett Connection
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting—this latest coin find isn’t too far from where the Crosby Garrett Roman helmet was unearthed back in 2010. That helmet, named after the local village, is hailed as one of Britain’s most important archaeological discoveries. You can read more about this remarkable find in our article on the best metal detecting treasure finds. If you’re inspired to find your own piece of history, take a look at our tips for researching metal detecting sites across the UK and USA—who knows what you might stumble upon in your next hunt?
Landowner’s First Big Find
The landowner was present at the inquest and, with a grin, admitted it’s the first such discovery on his land. But with treasures like this popping up nearby, you have to wonder if there’s more buried in his backyard just waiting to be found! Remember, getting permission is key—check out our handy guide on how to get permission for metal detecting before you start digging on someone else’s property.
To Be Continued…?
With museums interested and history lovers buzzing, it’s safe to say these medieval pennies have found their way into the spotlight. For detectorists everywhere, this just goes to show—you never know what you might dig up. Stay curious, keep hunting, and remember: treasure might just be a beep away. And for those new to the hobby, be sure to learn the best metal detecting practices to ensure you don’t make any costly mistakes.
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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.
