In a surprising discovery, two retired hobbyists from Suffolk, Norman Howard and John Halles, found a hidden treasure of 206 Roman silver coins. This hoard, known as the North Suffolk Hoard, contains coins dating back to the second century BCE to the first century CE. The collection includes coins from famous historical figures like Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Nero. These coins are now set to be sold, with auctioneers estimating the sale will raise over £7,500. Let’s explore this exciting find and the history behind these valuable coins.
The Discovery of the North Suffolk Hoard
How It All Began
The discovery of the North Suffolk Hoard began when Norman Howard, 78, found the first coin just a few inches below the surface of a ploughed field. He was using a metal detector, a hobby he took up after retiring ten years ago.
Howard said, “The detector bleeped a couple of times, and I turned over some of the loose earth, and the coin was just lying there.”
After this initial find, Howard encouraged his friend John Halles to return to the site, which led to an incredible series of discoveries. Halles found more coins while digging deeper and even took home some clay to wash off, revealing even more hidden treasures.
Reporting the Find
After their initial discoveries, the duo reported their find to the local museum. While museum officials conducted their examination, Howard and Halles continued to uncover more coins, totaling 206. This incredible discovery offers a glimpse into Roman history and the life of wealthy individuals during that time.
The Historical Significance of the Coins
The coins found in the North Suffolk Hoard feature famous figures from Roman history, including:
- Julius Caesar
- Pompey the Great
- Mark Antony
- Augustus
- Caligula
- Claudius
- Nero
Some of these coins date back to the Roman Civil War of 68-69 CE, a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire following Nero’s suicide. Archaeologists believe the coins were buried in a small pit, possibly by a wealthy individual, like a retired Roman soldier paid in silver coins.
Auction and Sale of the Coins
The Auction Details
Now, 197 coins from the North Suffolk Hoard are set to be sold at Sotheby’s auction on June 9. Experts from Morton & Eden, a specialist auction house in London, estimate that the sale will generate more than £7,500. The British Museum has acquired nine of the coins to add to the national collection.
Highlights from the Sale
Among the coins being auctioned is a rare denarius from the reign of Caligula, who ruled from 37 to 41 CE. This coin features Caligula’s profile on one side and his mother, Agrippina Senior, on the other. It is estimated to be worth between £800 and £1,000.
Another notable coin is a well-preserved denarius of Otho, one of the emperors from the Civil War period. This coin is expected to sell for around £600 to £800, along with an anonymous denarius depicting Mars, the god of war.
| Coin | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Rare denarius of Caligula | £800 – £1,000 |
| Denarius of Otho | £600 – £800 |
| Anonymous denarius of Mars | £600 – £800 |
Conclusion
The North Suffolk Hoard is an exciting discovery that not only uncovers a significant part of Roman history but also offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy individuals from that era. The sale of these coins is expected to raise over £7,500, with proceeds shared among the finders and the landowner. The presence of coins from legendary figures like Julius Caesar and Caligula makes this hoard even more valuable. Such finds remind us of the rich history hidden beneath our feet and the stories waiting to be discovered.
FAQ’s
What is the North Suffolk Hoard?
The North Suffolk Hoard is a collection of 206 Roman silver coins found by Norman Howard and John Halles in Suffolk.
How old are the coins in the North Suffolk Hoard?
The coins date from the second century BCE to the first century CE.
Who are some historical figures represented in the hoard?
The hoard includes coins from Julius Caesar, Augustus, Caligula, and Nero.
How much money is expected from the sale of the coins?
The sale of the coins is estimated to raise over £7,500.
Where can the coins be sold?
The coins will be sold at Sotheby’s auction in London.