Roman hoard to go under the hammer next week

A HOARD of Roman coins discovered by metaldetectorists during a postlockdown camping trip is to go under the hammer next week.

The amazing find of more than 160 silver coins – dubbed the Pewsey Hoard – is expected to fetch tens of thousands of pounds at auction in London.

Veteran detectorists Mick Rae, 63, a herds manager, computer shop owner Robert Abbott, 53, and carpenter Dave Allen, 59, found a total of 161 coins, comprising silver siliqua and miliarense dating from 340 AD to 402 AD in September 2020.

The trio, who have over 90 years detecting experience between them, made the discovery of a lifetime during a camping weekend in Wiltshire.

The collection of coins is now expected to sell in the region of £30,000 to £40,000 when sold by auctioneers Noonans on Tuesday.

Mr Abbott, who lives in Essex, explained that the rare discovery occurred over two days just after the first Covid lockdown ended.

He said: “Having finished breakfast first, I turned on my machine, and having walked around six paces from the tent, I found several tent pegs and just under the surface a late Roman silver siliqua in pristine condition.

“A few moments later beside it, I found another one.”

Robert’s find prompted Mick, from Wiltshire and Dave, from Essex, to join in the search.