During a construction project in central England, an extraordinary hoard of Roman coins was unearthed. These gold and silver coins, dating back to the reign of Rome's Emperor Nero, hold immense historical significance. Museums Worcestershire is now raising funds to acquire and preserve these coins within the county where they were found.

Uncover the Treasures of Roman Worcestershire

The Significance of the Worcestershire Conquest Hoard

The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard, consisting of 1,368 coins, is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the county in the last 100 years. Most of the coins are silver denarii, with a single gold coin minted for a local British tribe at the time. The pot in which the coins were buried was likely made at a nearby pottery kiln. It is believed that the coins were brought to the area by Roman soldiers, and one theory suggests they may have belonged to a wealthy local farmer who supplied the army with grain and livestock.This hoard was assembled and buried during a crucial period when Worcestershire lay at the edge of an expanding Empire. It provides valuable insights into the history and culture of the region 2000 years ago.

The Discovery Process and Its Impact

In late 2023, members of the public discovered the stash of coins. Dr. Murray Andrews, a lecturer in British archaeology at University College London, described the discovery as "remarkable" and "the most miraculous thing I've seen over the last 100 years." It is an important piece of archaeology that helps us understand the past and the boundaries of the Roman Empire.This is not the first time such a hoard has been found in the area. In 2011, two metal detectorists discovered a clay pot filled with 3,784 coins, and in 1999, 434 silver coins and 38 pottery fragments were also found. Each discovery adds to our knowledge of the region's history.If Museums Worcestershire fails to raise the necessary funds, the latest hoard may be returned to the finders or the landowner, and it may never be displayed publicly. This emphasizes the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations.Karen May, Chair of the Joint Museums Committee, stated, "What a fantastic find and so important for anyone wishing to understand more about the county's heritage. This is real Worcestershire treasure, and it needs to be seen and enjoyed by Worcestershire residents for generations to come."