Paul Capewell, a 59-year-old retired builder, made an extraordinary discovery in Cambridgeshire that many metal detectorists dream of. After two decades of searching the same field, he uncovered a rare Roman coin, which could be worth an impressive £6,000. This find, an Emperor Trajan denarius dating back to 107 AD, is not just valuable for its monetary worth but also its historical significance. Paul’s determination and passion for metal detecting finally paid off in a remarkable way.
| Section | Subsection | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paul Capewell’s Incredible Discovery | Overview of the story of the Roman coin find in Cambridgeshire by a retired builder. |
| 2. The History of the Roman Denarius | What is the Roman Denarius? | Explanation of the denarius coin and its importance in Roman currency. |
| The Reign of Emperor Trajan | Historical context of the reign of Emperor Trajan and why coins from his era are significant. | |
| 3. The Discovery Process | Metal Detecting: A Hobby That Pays Off | Insights into metal detecting as a hobby and its potential for valuable discoveries. |
| The Search in Little Grandsen | A detailed account of the discovery in the Cambridgeshire countryside. | |
| 4. Understanding the Coin’s Value | Rarity of the Denarius Coin | Examination of why this particular Roman coin is considered rare. |
| Why It’s Worth £6,000 | Discussion of the coin’s value and factors contributing to its high worth. | |
| 5. Roman Coin Collection and Historical Significance | The Importance of Roman Coins in History | Exploration of how Roman coins help historians understand the Roman Empire. |
| How Coins Shed Light on the Roman Empire | Specific ways Roman coins reveal information about trade, economy, and rulers. | |
| 6. Legal and Financial Implications | The Treasure Act and Coin Discovery | Overview of UK laws regarding the discovery of valuable historical items like coins. |
| What Happens After a Discovery? | Description of the process after finding treasure, including reporting and rewards. | |
| 7. Paul Capewell’s Reflection | 20 Years of Searching: Patience Pays Off | Personal reflections from Paul Capewell on his decades of metal detecting. |
| Advice for Aspiring Metal Detectorists | Tips and encouragement for those interested in taking up metal detecting. | |
| 8. Conclusion | The Excitement of Discovery and Connection to History | Final thoughts on the joy of connecting with history through such discoveries. |
The Discovery: A 20-Year Journey
Paul had been exploring a field in Little Grandsen, Cambridgeshire, for over 20 years with his metal detector. On the day of his discovery, he was about to head back to his car after yet another uneventful search. Just before leaving, his metal detector emitted a beep—something he had heard countless times before, but this time it led to something special.
Unearthing the Treasure
As he began digging, Paul unearthed a small silver coin. He didn’t immediately realize the significance of his find. Thinking it was just another old coin, he showed it to a local coin dealer, who identified it as an Emperor Trajan denarius, a rare Roman coin. The dealer informed Paul that this coin was from 107 AD, issued during the reign of Emperor Trajan after he recalled worn Republican coins from circulation.
What Makes the Coin Special?
The Emperor Trajan denarius is not an everyday find. In fact, there have only been two examples of this specific type of coin recorded for sale in the last 25 years. This particular denarius holds not only monetary value but also historical significance. It gives us a glimpse into Roman history, particularly the reign of Emperor Trajan, who is known for expanding the Roman Empire and being one of its most respected leaders.
Valuation and Historical Significance
When Paul learned that the coin could be worth up to £6,000, he was thrilled. The coin’s rarity, historical context, and condition all contributed to its value. Roman coins like this one provide invaluable insight into the past, helping historians and collectors piece together the lives and times of ancient civilizations.
Conclusion
Paul Capewell’s discovery is more than just a coin; it’s a connection to history. After two decades of dedication, his patience was rewarded with a piece of the ancient world that holds both monetary value and immense historical importance. His story is a testament to perseverance and the exciting possibilities of treasure hunting.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the Roman denarius coin found by Paul Capewell?
A: The Roman denarius coin discovered by Paul Capewell dates back to 107 AD and was issued during the reign of Emperor Trajan. It is an exceptionally rare coin, with only two examples having been recorded for sale in the past 25 years. This adds significant historical value to the coin, alongside its estimated worth of £6,000.
Q2: How did Paul Capewell discover the coin?
A: Paul Capewell, a retired builder, found the Roman denarius while metal detecting in a field in Little Grandsen, Cambridgeshire. After 20 years of searching the same field, he finally struck gold when his metal detector beeped, leading him to uncover this valuable historical artifact.
Q3: What makes this specific coin so valuable?
A: The coin’s rarity and historical significance add to its value. Coins from Emperor Trajan’s reign are highly sought after due to their importance in Roman history. The fact that this particular denarius is in good condition further contributes to its high estimated value of £6,000.
Q4: Why was the coin issued by Emperor Trajan?
A: Emperor Trajan issued this denarius coin after recalling worn Republican coins from circulation. The coin reflects Trajan’s attempt to standardize the currency and maintain the integrity of the Roman Empire’s monetary system.
Q5: What are the legal implications of finding a Roman coin in the UK?
A: In the UK, the Treasure Act governs the discovery of valuable historical artifacts. If a coin or treasure is found, it must be reported to local authorities. Depending on the coin’s significance and value, it may be acquired by a museum, with the finder and landowner receiving a financial reward.