Rich harmonies in Shropshire
In March, we reported how a bag of gold had been discovered in an upright piano in Shropshire and wondered what sort of wealth it might bring the tuner who found it. Well, now we know. Shrewsbury Coroner’s Court has deemed that the coins – 913 in all – qualify as treasure, which means they belong to the Crown. However, under the Treasure Act 1996, Martin Backhouse, the tuner, and Bishop’s Castle Community College, who owned the piano, are each entitled to half the value of the horde’s worth – significantly over £200,000, say coin experts. Claims of ownership were made by various other people, but were all dismissed.