An ancient hoard of Roman and Celtic coins, valued at £10m, has been discovered in Jersey, UK.
Two metal detecting practitioners unearthed what is believed to be one of Europe's largest ever collections of Roman and Celtic coins.
 50,000 Roman and Celtic coins have been found in Jersey |
It is estimated that the first century BC hoard, found at a secret location on the east of the island, could contain 50,000 coins in all, reports the BBC.
Celtic coins expert Dr Philip de Jersey, formerly of Oxford University, told the broadcaster that each specimen is worth between £100-200.
"It is extremely exciting and very significant. It will add a huge amount of new information, not just about the coins themselves but the people who were using them," he said.
The find is the fruit of 30 years' hard toil for Reg Mead and Richard Miles, who were put on the hunt after hearing rumours of a farmer finding silver coins in his field.
Unfortunately for its finders and the landowner, treasure troves such as this one automatically become property of the crown. The only way the parties may receive a share of the spoils is if a museum buys the hoard from the Queen for a price as valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee.
This was the case for a hoard of 52,000 Roman coins discovered in Frome, Somerset, UK in 2010. Dating from AD 253-305, it was purchased by a local museum, having been valued at £320,250.
Collectors intent on discovering a rare coin for themselves, without having to wander up and down in a field for three decades, should take a close look at the investment-grade items we have available, including this rare English piece with a fascinating history.
