One of the largest hoards of Roman coins ever found in Britain is to go on display for the first time. The discovery of 1,368 gold and silver coins, produced from the time of the Roman Republic (509–27 BC) up to the reign of the emperor Nero (AD 54–68), was hailed as one of the “most important archaeological discoveries in Worcestershire in the last 100 years”.
On Saturday, January 11, visitors will be able to view the Hoard when it goes on temporary display at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum until 30 March 2025. It is believed the coins belonged to a rich farmer who supplied the Roman army with grain and livestock.
Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums charity launched a fundraising campaign to save the Hoard for the county. The initial target of £6,000 was met within 48 hours of its launch.
READ MORE: £100,000 of Roman coins found on Midland building site
Dr Murray Andrews, lecturer in British Archaeology, UCL Institute of Archaeology and advisor on The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard, said: “The Conquest Hoard is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Worcestershire in the last 100 years.”
Museums Worcestershire’s senior curator Deborah Fox, said: “The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard is an incredible find and plays an important part in understanding more about the county’s heritage. We are really pleased to put it on temporary display and are sure visitors will love to see this incredible piece of Worcestershire’s history which has been buried beneath our feet for 2,000 years.”
Hoard of Roman coins valued at £100,000 discovered in the Leigh and Bransford area of west of Worcester in late 2023
(Image: Museums Worcestershire / SWNS)
The Hoard is expected to be valued upwards of £100,000 and fundraising continues so it can be permanently housed. If the money cannot be raised, the Hoard will be returned to its finders and/or the landowner and would be unlikely to ever be seen again on public display.