Oldford metal detector makes huge find

 

Such is the size and potential worth of the discovery, the exact location of the site is a closely guarded secret by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) which was called in after an initial 900 coins were discovered.

 

The hoard of copper alloy coins, dating from the 3rd Century, was unearthed by Adrian Simmons, a member of Welshpool's Oldford Force Team metal detecting club. He now faces an anxious wait to see whether he will be ‘coining it in’ with a share of the treasure!

 

Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust said the discovery had the potential to reveal more about Roman life in Mid Wales in the late 3rd Century. The Romans left Wales in 410AD, having first arrived in 47AD. The majority of the coins were found buried in a ceramic pot.

 

Chris Martin, regional archaeologist at the trust, said: "We are very excited about this discovery and are very grateful to Mr Simmons for acting so responsibly and to the landowner for his support.

 

"The hoard has the potential to tell us more about Roman life in mid Wales in the late 3rd Century AD. This was probably a time of considerable political and economic unrest and the coins may have been buried for safekeeping with the intention of returning for them in the future.

 

"Unfortunately for the original owner, but happily for us, for some reason they never had the chance to recover them."

 

The coins were taken to the National Museum Wales in Cardiff, where an expert is writing a report. This will be passed to Powys coroner Peter Maddox, who will decide on what happens to the coins, and whether Mr Simmons is entitled to a fee if they are ruled to be treasure.