Hoard of historic gold coins discovered in Chatteris by Digging History UK metal detecting group

A metal detecting group discovered a gold hoard while exploring a new piece of land for them in Chatteris.

Digging History UK, a local metal detecting group that combines the thrill of discovery with a commitment to charity and responsible detecting, was given the opportunity to use some new land on the outskirts of Chatteris where they discovered several different historic coins.

The group was quick to find some silver medieval coins within the first hour on Sunday, February 9, as well as a Roman coin and crotal bells.

Martin Stokes, a member of Digging History, said: “At around 10.30am, Sandra Ball from Lincolnshire came over to me with a huge smile and a spring in her step.

“She produced a stunning George III Gold Guinea from her bag, a great moment, but the heavy clay had taken its toll and by 11am, she had enough and headed home.”

As the day progressed, the team found several other silver medieval hammered coins. A little while later another member had discovered seven more gold coins.

Martin added: “The excitement throughout all the detectorists was great to witness, this was now a gold hoard.

“We have saved some history and that is the most important thing.

“Most people think metal detecting is about treasure hunting but it is not, it is about history.

“It always amazes us what we find in the fields every time we go out as we are right in the story of that field.”

One of the coins had a lot of brown tarnish on it which Martin said told them that it had been in a purse or a pouch because “you could see where the brown tarnish on it is where the leather pouch had gone onto the coin. It was obviously a purse spill that someone had lost, they were scattered over a very small area.”

The discoveries have been recorded with the Finds Liaison Officer who will be going through the Treasure process.

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