Historic coins found by metal detectorists acquired for record £4.3m

It has been described as a once in a lifetime discovery that gives Britain a unique insight into its rich history.

But it's the team of seven metal detectorists who unearthed the UK's richest-ever treasure hoard that will be celebrating the most after their collection was acquired for the nation for a record £4.3million. 

The extremely rare find, dating back 1,000 years, was dug up by the group of detecting enthusiasts in an unploughed field, in the Chew Valley area of north east Somerset, in January 2019. 

The 2,584 silver coins are made up of King Harold II pennies from the end of Anglo-Saxon England and William the Conqueror coins, after the 1066 Norman conquest. 

The bulk of the coins were found by detectorists Adam Staples and Lisa Grace, who are believed to have become millionaires through the sale. 

Meanwhile the landowner, whose identity is not being revealed, is also entitled to a life-changing 50 per cent of the proceeds, a staggering £2.15million. 

Many of the coins are in mint condition and experts say they would have been a substantial amount of money at the time and belonged to an important, wealthy person who probably buried them for safekeeping.

As King Harold's reign only lasted nine months, before he was famously struck in the eye by an arrow at the Battle of Hastings, coins from that period are incredibly rare. 

The hoard also contains coins struck by previously-unknown moneyers.

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Mr Staples, 48, said of the dig in a BBC interview in 2019: 'We didn't leave the site until we thought we'd got all the coins.

'We had a massive thunder and rainstorm. We were all soaking wet by the time we finished.'

Mr Staples and Ms Grace, 47, had been training five friends on how to use metal detectors when they made the discovery.

The other finders will also receive a share of the proceeds, probably in the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The hoard is the highest value treasure on record, beating the famous Staffordshire Hoard from 2009 - the biggest collection of buried coins and artefacts discovered in Britain - which was worth £3.3million.

The Chew Valley Hoard, which was reported under the Treasure Act (1996), has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust after they received a £4.42million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund also covering display costs.

This was boosted by £150,000 from Art Fund, and smaller grants from the Friends of The Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society.

The hoard will go on display at the British Museum on November 26 and will then tour several museums before the Museum of Somerset becomes its permanent home.

The acquisition was welcomed by the Government who said it gives 'a unique insight into our country's rich history'.

Heritage Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said: 'This remarkable hoard gives us unique insight into our country's rich history and one of the most important moments in our history, when these islands were thrown into turmoil by the Norman Conquest.

'The Treasure Act 1996 ensures that these coins, dating back to 1066, will be displayed in Museums across the UK before residing in Somerset, giving people from different regions the opportunity to see this extraordinary treasure, learn more about our past and protect this part of our heritage for future generations.'

Sam Astill, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, said: 'The hoard symbolises a pivotal moment in English history and we are delighted to have made this acquisition so that it may be enjoyed by generations to come.

'It highlights the power of museums, collections and stories to inspire people and communities and has been made possible thanks to a wide range of partners working together to ensure our heritage is protected and accessible for everyone.'

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 'We are delighted to support the acquisition of the Chew Valley Hoard, and the plans to share its fascinating heritage with audiences across the UK before it returns to the South West where we are funding a permanent home at the Museum of Somerset.

'It is incredibly exciting that this treasure will be part of the story of three decades of National Lottery funding for heritage.

'Thanks to funding from National Lottery players this incredible hoard will be valued, cared for, and sustained, for everyone, now and in the future.'

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: 'The Chew Valley Hoard is one of the most significant finds from the Norman Conquest, shedding new light on a fascinating period in English history.

'We're thrilled to have supported the Museum of Somerset to acquire this remarkable addition to their collection, for local people and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.'

Collections cared for by the South West Heritage Trust are permanently owned by Somerset Council.

Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council said: 'We are absolutely delighted to bring the Chew Valley Hoard to the people of Somerset.

'The county has a rich heritage and this acquisition will help bring history to life; residents and visitors will be able to engage with the hoard through learning activities and workshops.

'As a former history teacher, I am excited by the educational benefits that seeing the Hoard in the Museum of Somerset will bring to generations of school children.

'We look forward to seeing this remarkable collection of coins inspire programming and participation in a variety of community spaces and welcoming the permanent display at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.'