In a field in Somerset, a rare Roman coin has been found, and it’s expected to sell for £8,000 at auction. This special silver coin features the Roman Emperor Carausius. Mike Clark, a 73-year-old metal detector enthusiast, discovered the coin during a group dig. This find highlights how metal detecting can lead to exciting discoveries and valuable treasures from history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Discovery Location | South Brewham, Somerset |
| Finder | Mike Clark, 73 years old |
| Find Date | June |
| Coin Type | Roman silver coin |
| Depicted Emperor | Carausius |
| Estimated Auction Value | £8,000 |
| Auction Date | October 22 |
| Historical Significance | Carausius declared himself Emperor of Britain and Northern Gaul |
| Coin Features | Laureate bust of Carausius; depicts historical events |
| Metal Detecting Experience | 52 years |
| Auction House | Noonans Mayfair |
The Discovery
In June, Mike Clark was part of an organized metal detecting event in South Brewham with around twenty other enthusiasts. On what started as a quiet morning, he found a regular £1 coin. However, when he moved to another area, his luck changed dramatically.
- First Find: Mike found a £1 coin.
- Second Find: The more valuable Roman coin was just six inches deep in the ground.
When Mike detected the signal, he said, “The next signal revealed a silver coin,” and he “recognized it immediately.”
Details About the Coin
The coin will be auctioned at Noonans Mayfair on October 22. Nigel Mills, a specialist in coins and artifacts at Noonans, explained that this coin has not been published before.
Features of the Coin
- Emperor Depicted: The coin shows a bust of Carausius, a Roman commander of the fleet known as ‘Classis Britannica.’
- Historical Background: In AD 286, the Emperor Maximian ordered Carausius’s execution because he was suspected of hiding treasure from pirates. Carausius then declared himself Emperor of Britain and Northern Gaul, making Britain independent for a time. He is sometimes seen as the first “brexiteer.”
Mike Clark’s Experience
Mike Clark is not new to metal detecting. He has been exploring with his metal detector for 52 years. After the auction, he plans to share the money with the landowner where he found the coin.
Conclusion
Mike Clark’s find is a remarkable example of how metal detecting can uncover significant pieces of history. The rare Roman coin, which could fetch £8,000, serves as a reminder of the rich historical treasures hidden in fields across the UK. This discovery not only brings financial reward but also connects us to the fascinating stories of the past. It highlights the importance of preserving history and encourages others to explore the possibilities of metal detecting.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Roman coin found in Somerset?
The Roman coin is significant because it features the image of Carausius, who was a Roman commander that declared himself Emperor of Britain and Northern Gaul. This coin highlights an important historical period when Britain was independent from Roman rule.
2. How much is the Roman coin expected to sell for at auction?
The Roman coin is expected to sell for approximately £8,000 at auction.
3. When was the coin discovered?
The coin was discovered in June during a metal detecting event.
4. Who found the coin?
The coin was found by Mike Clark, a 73-year-old metal detector enthusiast with 52 years of experience.
5. What will happen to the proceeds from the auction?
Mike Clark plans to share the proceeds of the auction with the landowner of the field where the coin was found.