Unearthed artefacts declared treasure

TEN historic objects found by members of the public and dating back as far as Roman times have been declared treasure by a coroner.

The finding by assistant coroner for North Wales East Joanne Lees means that the people who found them are entitled to sell them to a museum for their true value.

A hearing in Ruthin, Denbighshire, was told that the objects, discovered between 2016 and 2018, were all discovered by members of the public.

Many of the items found were personal items which provide a solid link with people from the past.

A batch of 15 Roman coins were found near Ruthin by Aled Roberts when he went on his very first dig with a metal detectorist club.

The oldest discovery of them all was six Roman coins that were uncovered by Andy Jones in Sesswick, Wrexham.

His findings included some from the 2nd century also included Emperors Hadrian (AD 117-38) and Antoninus Pius (AD 138-61).

It is expected that many of the discoveries will be purchased with Heritage Lottery funding provided via the Saving Treasures; Telling Stories project, after they have been independently valued by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

All finds except one will be acquired by accredited local museums in north-east Wales.

Five of the objects will be acquired by Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives.

Steve Grenter, Heritage Services Manager at the museum, said: “Wrexham County Borough Museum is delighted to be able to acquire these objects and we are grateful to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and the Saving Treasures, Telling Stories project for their assistance with the acquisition.

“They will form a significant addition to our archaeological collections.”