An incredible archaeological discovery offered a fascinating window on the medieval history of England. During the excavations for the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, in the County of Suffolk, a team of experts discovered a treasure of 321 silver coinsperfectly preserved and dating back to the 11th century.
The discovery, carried out by the archaeologists of Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (goose)has aroused great emotion among scholars. The coins, wrapped in a lead pack that could have been an ancient bag, date back to the period between the 1036 and 1044. The value of the time was of 320 Pencea considerable sum that, according to experts, probably belonged to an influential local farmer rather than a high -ranking nobleman. The reason why this heritage has never been recovered remains a mystery.
A treasure that tells the story
The treasure found belongs to the kingdoms of three English sovereigns: Harold I (nicknamed “Harefoot”), Harthacnut And Edoardo the confessor. Most of the coins have been coined under the kingdom of Harold I, while the most recent specimens, dating back to the beginning of the EDAARDIAN period (1042-1044), belong to the so-called “Pacx Type”. The treasure includes four different design: “Jewel Cross” and “Fleur-de-late” by Harold I, in addition to “Arm-and-andpeptre” of Harthacnut.
According to goals, the coins were regularly redesigned for counteract falsificationsguarantee a constant flow of new money and, last but not least, act as a tax tool. These details make the discovery of an important testimony of the EXTIGHTERTH EXCHAILLOGRATERRA SYSTEM and the Monetary System. Andrew Peggthe archaeologist who found the packet of coins, told the BBC The emotion experienced at that moment:
I was literally trembling. It is a capsule of perfect time, a discovery that adds a fundamental piece to the history of my land.
Also Damian Leydondirector of the construction project of Sizewell C, he enthusiastically commented on the discovery, defining him “A unique opportunity to deepen the knowledge of Suffolk’s rich past”. The Sizewell C team is collaborating with goose to make this discovery accessible to the public, allowing everyone to admire and study these extraordinary historical finds.
Ancient coins are not just exchange tools, but They tell the story of civilizations, governments and cultures. In 2020, the scholar Cory Frewingin his article for The Geographical Bulletinunderlined how numismatics was A powerful means for the construction of national identitytestifying religion, values, language and politics of an era.
A famous example is Roman currency “Eid Mar”coined by Marco Giunio Bruto after the assassination of Julius Caesar in the 44 BC. This rare denario, a symbol of one of the most crucial moments in the history of Rome, was sold in 2023 for 720,000 dollars.
In the United States, the Coinage Act of 1792 he established that each coin should report the registration “Liberty”in addition to the year of issue. In 1864, the famous phrase was introduced “In God We Trust”which still appears on the American currency.
The discovery of Sizewell C not only enriches the knowledge of British history, but shows how coins are a bridge between the past and the presentkeeping the secrets of distant eras.
