Amateur Treasure Hunter Unearths £23,000 Silver Coin Hoard

Mickey Richardson, a novice treasure hunter, discovered a trove of 234 silver coins, worth £23,000, buried in a field in Ansty, England. The coins, dating back to the reigns of Edward VI, Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I, are believed to have been hidden during the English Civil War in 1644. Richardson stumbled upon the hoard while using a metal detector he had won in a raffle just months prior.

Novice Treasure Hunter Uncovers Historic Silver Coin Hoard Worth £23,000

In a remarkable stroke of luck, Mickey Richardson, a novice treasure hunter, has uncovered a trove of 234 historic silver coins worth an estimated £23,000. The discovery was made in a muddy field in Ansty, Dorset, a region steeped in both agricultural and historical significance.

Richardson's fortuitous find was made possible by a newly acquired metal detector, which he had won in a raffle just three months prior. Armed with his newfound equipment, Richardson embarked on an exploratory mission to the field, which had once been part of a small mudhouse village during the Napoleonic Wars.

As he meticulously swept the area with his detector, Richardson was surprised and elated to receive strong signals. His excitement grew with each subsequent discovery, culminating in the unearthing of the first coin, bearing the bust of King Charles I.

Undeterred by the exhaustion of the first day's search, Richardson returned the following morning, determined to complete his quest. To his astonishment, he found a total of 234 silver coins scattered across a radius. The coins spanned reigns from King Edward VI in the 1550s to Charles I, providing a fascinating glimpse into the monetary history of England.

Some of the Elizabethan and James coins exhibited scratches, believed to be the work of former Catholic owners who inscribed them in protest against the Protestant views and religious reforms of the time.

Richardson promptly handed over the coins to his local Finds Liaison Officer, as required by the Treasure Act (1996). The coins were subsequently examined by experts at the British Museum, who confirmed their authenticity and historical value. The coins were then returned to Richardson, who, as per the Treasure Act, retained ownership as the finder.

Richardson witnessed the sale of his extraordinary hoard at Spink & Son auctioneers in London, where they fetched an impressive £23,000 including fees. As per the terms of the Treasure Act, Richardson was required to share the proceeds equally with the landowner.

While the monetary value of the coins is undeniable, Richardson emphasized that his primary motivation was the historical significance of his discovery. "It wasn't about the money but about the history and preserving the coins," he stated. "The money is a bonus."

Coin specialist Ella Mackenzie of Spink & Son remarked on the significance of the hoard. "This ensemble encompasses the most unstable time in our nation's history," she said. "These coins circulated in the pockets of a crucially formative period for England in so many ways ... Being able to handle this hoard has been a rare privilege."

The discovery of Civil War hoards is not uncommon in Britain, with nearly 400 cases documented. However, their appearance at public auctions remains a relatively rare occurrence.

Last month, another treasure hunter, Richard Brock, made headlines by uncovering the largest golden nugget ever found in England using a faulty metal detector. The nugget, weighing 64.8g and valued at £30,000, was found in the Shropshire Hills.

Richardson's find serves as a reminder of the rich historical tapestry that lies beneath our feet and the potential for ordinary individuals to make extraordinary discoveries. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of treasure hunting and the enduring fascination with the past.