Exciting Discovery: Retired Builder Finds Rare Roman Coin Worth £6,000!

Rare Roman Coin: A man who has searched a field for over 20 years found a rare silver coin with a metal detector. This exciting discovery could earn him up to £6,000 at auction. Let’s explore the story behind this find and its historical significance.

Who Discovered the Coin?

Paul Capewell, a retired builder from Selston, Nottinghamshire, has been metal detecting for more than 40 years. He started this hobby with his father, and it has become a lifelong passion. Capewell recalls how the thrill of finding something special keeps him going. Over the years, he has enjoyed many adventures while searching for treasures hidden in the ground.

The Exciting Discovery

In November 2022, Capewell made an amazing find in a field located in Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire. The coin he discovered was issued during the reign of Emperor Trajan in AD 107. This Rare Roman Coin was significant because it was made after Trajan ordered all worn Republican coins to be returned to the government. Capewell described the moment he found the coin as “a dream come true” for any metal detectorist.

Auction Expectations

The coin is set to be sold at Noonans Mayfair auction house in London on Tuesday. Experts believe it could fetch up to £6,000. Mr. Capewell calls this his “most exciting find” in his 40 years of treasure hunting. The upcoming auction is a big event, and he hopes many collectors will be interested.

The Finding Process

Capewell used his Equinox 800 metal detector during the hunt. He recalls his excitement when he first detected a signal. After finding only a few shotgun cartridges in the field, he decided to head back to his car. However, just 5 meters (about 16.4 feet) from his car, his detector beeped again. At a depth of 8 inches (20.32 cm), he discovered the silver Roman coin.

When he pulled the coin from the ground, Capewell couldn’t believe his eyes. It was a moment of pure joy and surprise. He took a moment to admire the coin’s detail and craftsmanship. After that, he realized he needed to learn more about it.

Realizing Its Value

At first, Capewell didn’t know how rare the coin was. After showing pictures to a local coin dealer, the dealer confirmed its rarity and value. The coin was officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a project that encourages people to report their finds to help preserve history. This process helps historians and archaeologists learn more about the past and understand the importance of these artifacts.

Future Plans

Mr. Capewell has had a challenging life recently. He retired from the building trade after suffering a heart attack, and he is currently waiting for more surgery. Despite his health issues, he remains hopeful and excited about his discovery. He plans to share the auction proceeds with the landowner, who allowed him to search the field. Capewell hopes to use his share of the money to buy a new Minelab Manticore detector, which is known for its advanced features and capabilities. Alternatively, he may put the money toward his heart surgery, emphasizing how important this find is for his future.

Historical Significance

Nigel Mills, a coins and artifacts specialist at Noonans, noted that only two similar coins have been sold in the last 25 years. These coins provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Mills explained that some coins in circulation date back over 300 years and help us understand the achievements of the Roman Empire.

Rare Roman Coin like the one Capewell found not only have monetary value but also carry historical importance. They tell stories of the people who lived during those times and offer insights into their daily lives, trade, and culture.

Table of Coin Details

Detail	Description
Type of Coin	Silver Roman Coin
Emperor	Trajan
Date Issued	AD 107
Material	Silver
Estimated Auction Value	Up to £6,000
Depth Found	8 inches (20.32 cm)
Location Found	Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire
Detection Method	Equinox 800 Metal Detector
Number of Similar Coins Recorded	2 in the last 25 years

Conclusion

Rare Roman Coin: Paul Capewell’s exciting find highlights the thrill of metal detecting and sheds light on Roman history. His dedication to his hobby paid off, resulting in the discovery of a valuable coin that many collectors will likely be interested in. This story inspires many to explore the past and uncover hidden treasures, showing how history can be found in unexpected places.

For Capewell, the journey doesn’t end here. His story reminds us that there is always something new to discover, whether it’s in our backyards or far beyond. As he prepares for the auction, he can look back on his years of searching with pride and excitement, knowing that every trip to the field has the potential to uncover something truly special.

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