They hit the jackpot. A batch of 2,584 silver coins dating from the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century has been resold for 5.1 million euros, a record for an archaeological find in the United Kingdom, the BBC and several British media report.
The loot was unearthed in 2019 by seven metal prospectors in Chew Valley, in the county of Somerset, in southern England. It was purchased by the South West Heritage Trust, an organization responsible for preserving the heritage of the south-west of the country, with the help of the British National Lottery.
“A dream come true”
The loot was then divided between the seven treasure hunters and the owner of the land where they were digging. The pieces will be on display at the British Museum from November 26 and will then be loaned to other museums in England before being permanently housed at the Somerset Museum.
Minted between 1066 and 1068, just over half of the coins depict the figure of William the Conqueror. Duke of Normandy, he was crowned king of England after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The rest of the coins bear the face of his rival King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, who died during this same battle. .
According to the South West Heritage Trust, the treasure was “probably buried for safety during a period of instability, immediately after the Norman Conquest of 1066.”
“The hoard symbolizes a pivotal moment in English history and we are delighted to have made this acquisition so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Sam Astill, director of the South West Heritage Trust, praising an “unprecedented” treasure. . discovery.
Visiting the British Museum, Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant spoke of a “remarkable treasure”, which represents “one of the most important moments in our history”.
Adam Staples, who unearthed the treasure with his ex-girlfriend and five other friends, happily told the BBC: “I found a lot of amazing things, but to see something like this happen and realize you’ve hit the jackpot, it’s a dream come true.” reality”.
A nice archaeological discovery that will also relieve your pocketbook. “I made a few hundred thousand pounds from it and bought a house,” he declared, ensuring that he wanted to continue with his passion. “I’m going to live without mortgages and I hope to have a little more time to search and find something else,” he concludes.
Source: BFM TV
