Huge Roman coin hoard discovered near Worcester

In late 2023, a significant archaeological discovery occurred in Worcestershire, England, when builders unearthed a remarkable hoard of Roman coins during construction work. The cache consists of 1,368 Iron Age and Roman coins, predominantly silver denarii, most of which were minted between 157 BC and AD 68, coinciding with the reign of Emperor Nero. This discovery is hailed as one of the largest hoards from the Roman Conquest period found in Britain. Experts believe that the hoard belonged to a wealthy farmer who provided supplies to the Roman army, thus indicating the economic interactions between the Romans and local tribes during that era. Among the coins is a rare gold coin, an Iron Age stater issued for the Dobunni tribe of the region, indicative of local minting practices and tribal identity before full Roman integration. The coins were likely contained within a pot crafted at one of the nearby pottery kilns located at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Such findings provide vital clues about local culture, trade, and societal structures during the Roman occupation. Following its discovery, the hoard was declared treasure by local authorities, thereby initiating a process to secure funding to display it for public appreciation. Dr. Murray Andrews, a British archaeology lecturer at University College London, noted the importance of this finding, emphasizing its role in revealing historical narratives of life in Britain 2,000 years ago. Karen May, chair of Worcestershire County Council's museums committee, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the hoard in understanding the region's heritage and encouraging its display for future generations.