Bathroom Fitter Discovers Rare Hoard of Roman Coins in Leicestershire
A bathroom fitter in Leicestershire found 50 Roman coins while metal detecting, a rare discovery that could be worth up to £1,500.
Leicestershire, Sapcote, Roman Coins, David Dunn, Metal Detecting
Leicestershire: A bathroom fitter named David Dunn made an amazing discovery. While metal detecting in a local pasture, he found a hoard of 50 Roman coins. David, 42, was just out for a casual search when he picked up a faint signal. Excited, he dug up two coins.
When the farmer who owned the land joined him, they found even more coins. They uncovered dozens of coins in a small area. David has been metal detecting for two years and felt drawn to that field. He didn’t expect much, but the find was incredible.
The coins date back to the late 3rd century. They will be sold as a single lot on February 18, 2025, with an estimated value of £1,200-£1,500. David took the hoard to his local finds officer for examination. After a year, it was offered to museums but was eventually returned to him.
David isn’t interested in the money. He loves finding history. He wants to help the farmer, who has struggled since Covid. The hoard includes Antoninianus coins from various Roman rulers, including Carausius and Diocletian.
Noonans Coin Expert Alice Cullen praised David’s find. She explained that the Antoninianus was valued at two denarii during the Roman Empire. The coins are significant, dating back to the reigns of several emperors.
David’s discovery is exciting for historians too. Dr. Sam Moorhead, a former National Finds Adviser, noted that one coin will be recorded as a new variety. For David, the thrill of finding something special is what he enjoys most.