Medieval Silver Coins from England Sell for $5 Million

Finding a treasure that hasn't seen the light of day for nearly 1, 000 years! That's exactly what happened to Adam Staples and Lisa Grace, along with five other amateur metal detectorists, in the Chew Valley area near Bristol, England. They discovered a massive stash of 2, 584 silver coins dating back to the Norman Conquest in 1066-68. This incredible find, valued at over $5 million, is now the most valuable treasure ever found by amateur treasure hunters in the U. K. The coins, believed to have been buried for safekeeping, offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval history. They were likely hidden by a wealthy individual or group during the turbulent times of the Norman Conquest, a period marked by the Battle of Hastings and the invasion led by William the Conqueror. The South West Heritage Trust, an independent organization that supports historical sites, purchased the coins with funding from the National Lottery and the Art Fund. The coins will be displayed at the British Museum in London starting on November 26, before embarking on a tour of other U. K. museums. Their final home will be the Museum of Somerset, near where they were unearthed. This discovery is unprecedented and highlights the importance of reporting archaeological finds. Under the U. K. 's 1996 Treasure Act, treasure hunters must notify their local coroner within 14 days of a discovery. The coins will now be preserved for future generations and used for research on numismatics and the Norman Conquest period. "It's vital that such a rare collection stays together, " said Aleks McClain, a medieval archaeologist. "It will be a fantastic resource for understanding this pivotal moment in English history. "