Metal detectorist finds £200,000 gold coin in Wiltshire field

Metal detectorist finds £200,000 gold coin in Wiltshire field
Metal detectorist finds £200,000 gold coin in Wiltshire field

A metal detectorist has unearthed a unique 1,200 year old Anglo-Saxon gold coin which is now tipped to sell for £200,000.

The Gold Penny, or Mancus of 30 Pence, was struck on behalf of Penny of Ecgberht, King of the West Saxons, in the early 9th century.

It was dug up by the unnamed finder in a field in the village of West Dean on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border in March 2020.

A metal detectorist found the Anglo-Saxon gold coin, pictured, which could have bought 360 loaves of bread, is set to go under the hammer with an estimated value of £200,000

A metal detectorist found the Anglo-Saxon gold coin, pictured, which could have bought 360 loaves of bread, is set to go under the hammer with an estimated value of £200,000

The lucky finder discovered the coin buried seven inches into dark sandy soil in a field in the village of West Dean on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border in March 2020

The lucky finder discovered the coin buried seven inches into dark sandy soil in a field in the village of West Dean on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border in March 2020

The finder, who has been detectoring for eight years, was searching a five acre area of pasture at the bottom of a hill when he got a strong signal on his machine.

He dug down seven inches into the dark sandy soil and scooped out what he first thought was a gold-plated livery button.

Upon closer inspection, he was struck by the weight of the coin and realised it was something more important.

He showed it to a fellow detectorist who identified it as a coin of 'international importance' and described it as 'one of the most wondrous finds' he had encountered.

The three-quarter of an inch diameter coin, which weighs 0.15 ounces bears the king's title, EGGBEORHT REX, around a monogram of the word SAXON.

They were produced in 'acts of largesse' for ceremonial and high-status payments, with a single gold mancus having the equivalent value of 30 silver coins.

The detectorist is now selling the coin with London-based auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, who say it has been analysed and found to be made of 'high purity' gold.

It is the only late Anglo-Saxon gold coin in private hands, with the other eight specimens in institutions, predominantly the British Museum.

The detectorist is now selling the coin with London-based auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, who say it has been analysed and found to be made of 'high purity' gold

The detectorist is now selling the coin with London-based auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, who say it has been analysed and found to be made of

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