In a field in Norfolk, England’s largest-ever haul of Anglo-Saxon gold coins was uncovered. Metal detectorists have unearthed England’s largest-ever cache of Anglo-Saxon gold coins.
In a field in West Norfolk, treasure hunters discovered 131 coins, principally Frankish tremisses, as well as a number of other gold artifacts.
Between 2014 and 2020, a single detectorist – who chooses to stay nameless – discovered the majority of them.
The coins were buried some 1,400 years ago when England was still divided into different kingdoms and not yet united.
According to Adrian Marsden, from the Norfolk Historic Environment Service, “All the coins were minted on the continent, as we didn’t have gold coins of our own then.
He added, “It seems to have been built up by someone moving around the Merovingian kingdom.”
“And as it was found near an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, it may have been buried in a barrow (burial) and scattered by centuries of plowing.”
Norwich Castle and Art Gallery curator Tim Pestell hoard was also described as an, “internationally significant find.”