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557 Rare Coins From The Middle Ages Dug Up By Amateur Metal Detectorists

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A group of amateur metal detectorists struck gold—literally—when they uncovered a staggering 557 rare gold and silver coins from the 14th century. The discovery, now known as the “Hambleden Hoard,” could be the largest find of its kind in the United Kingdom in a decade.

A Chance Discovery Worth A Fortune

During an annual metal detecting event called “Detectival,” hundreds of enthusiasts gathered to scan the English countryside, hoping to uncover lost treasures. Among them were four amateur detectorists—Andrew Winter, brothers Tobiasz and Mateusz Nowak, and their acquaintance Dariusz Fijalkowski. What they found exceeded their wildest expectations.

According to the Daily Mail, the hoard includes 12 extremely rare gold coins from the Middle Ages, each estimated to be worth $130,000. In total, the entire cache is valued at around $195,000 (or £150,000). The find was made in Hambleden, a historic village recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.

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From Shotgun Shells To A Treasure Trove

For the four men, metal detecting was usually about finding everyday relics—thimbles, shotgun shells, and the occasional old coin. But this time, their patience paid off.

“After finding the hoard, and then clearing the area, we had to extend the search twice more because we were finding so much,” Mateusz Nowak, a hospital cleaner, told the Daily Mail. His brother Tobiasz, a baker, added: “I can’t even imagine how we got so lucky. It was the best weekend of my life. I’ll remember it my whole life.”

On the first day, the group unearthed 276 silver coins and nine gold nobles. By the end of the four-day rally, they had excavated 557 coins in total. Under the rally’s rules, any find of more than three silver coins had to be reported, so the men quickly declared their treasure to the event organizers.





The Scene Turns Chaotic

As word spread about the incredible find, excitement grew among other detectorists. The situation soon turned “absolutely hectic,” forcing organizers to seal off the site so the group could continue working undisturbed.

Finds Liaison Officer and archaeologist Anni Byard was brought in to verify the coins. She later tweeted about the discovery: “I haven’t done the final count yet but c.500 silver and 12 nobles. Quite a hoard. Being scattered made it difficult to map and record but we got there in the end!”

Coins From The Era Of Edward I And II

The hoard’s silver coins are of rare mintage, originating from Lincoln, Birmingham, Ireland, and Scotland. Experts believe they date back to the reigns of King Edward I (1272–1307) and King Edward II, his son and successor. Edward I, known as the “Hammer of the Scots,” played a key role in shaping England’s medieval history, and these coins offer a glimpse into that era.

What Happens Next?

Although experts have estimated the hoard’s value, an official appraisal is still pending. Until then, the coins will remain in a museum for further study. Eventually, they will be sold, with the profits split between the four finders and the owner of the land where the coins were discovered.

For these amateur detectorists, what started as a weekend hobby turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery—one that will go down in history as one of the most significant finds in recent years.

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