In a remarkable turn of events, a collection of 35 Celtic gold coins, unearthed by a metal detectorist in Kent, has sold for £103,000 at a London auction, significantly exceeding its initial valuation of £20,000. The discovery, made by Tony Asquith in August 2022, has shed light on Britain's pre-Roman history and the monetary systems of ancient Celtic tribes.
The coins, known as Staters, date back to approximately 55 BC, coinciding with Julius Caesar's initial attempts to conquer Britain. This period marked a crucial juncture in British history, as Roman influence began to permeate the island even before the full conquest in 43 AD.
Asquith, a seasoned metal detectorist with 45 years of experience, expressed astonishment at the auction result. "I am speechless at the result and can't believe it," he remarked. The discovery occurred during a metal detecting rally in Lenham, Kent, an area with a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
The coins were found concealed within a flint nodule, a geological formation dating back 70-90 million years. This rare occurrence adds a layer of scientific interest to the archaeological significance of the find. Flint nodules, formed from the remains of marine organisms, have been utilized by humans for tool-making since prehistoric times.
Nigel Mills, a coins and artifacts specialist at Noonans auction house, provided insight into the discovery process. Asquith initially detected wire and a shotgun cartridge before unearthing the historic hoard. The coins depict a horse galloping to the right with a charioteer's arm above, reflecting the importance of chariots in Celtic culture.
This discovery is particularly significant in the context of British archaeology. While ten other hoards of Iron Age gold coins contained in flint nodules have been found in Britain, all of these are currently housed in museums. The sale of this private collection offers a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire such artifacts.
The study of these coins, known as numismatics, provides valuable insights into the complex monetary systems of Celtic tribes in pre-Roman Britain. The Iron Age in Britain, lasting from about 800 BC to the Roman conquest, was a period of significant cultural and technological development.
Under the Treasure Act 1996, significant finds like this are typically reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which records archaeological objects found by the public in the UK. This system has greatly contributed to our understanding of Britain's rich archaeological heritage.
As metal detecting continues to gain popularity, having first emerged as a hobby in the 1960s, discoveries like Asquith's serve as a reminder of the potential for amateur archaeologists to contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient history.
"It was an amazing find. The recent ploughing of the field must have brought the nodule to the surface, and broke it open, scattering its contents of coins."
This extraordinary sale not only highlights the enduring value of ancient artifacts but also underscores the importance of responsible metal detecting in uncovering and preserving our shared historical heritage.