Suffolk man who unearthed a hoard of 11th-century coins says the discovery was even more special because it was made near his hometown

Andrew Pegg, 49, spent 24 years managing a hardware store in Leiston before he decided to change careers. Passionate about metal detecting, Pegg saw an opportunity for a fresh start

A Suffolk man who uncovered a remarkable hoard of 11th-century coins just months into his archaeology career has said that the discovery was even more special because it was made near his hometown.

Andrew Pegg, 49, spent 24 years managing a hardware store in Leiston before he decided to change careers. Passionate about metal detecting, Pegg saw an open traineeship to become a qualified archaeologist as an opportunity for a fresh start.

After completing the traineeship, Pegg joined an Oxford Cotswold Archaeology excavation at Sizewell C, a site just outside Leiston, where he made the historic find—321 silver coins in pristine condition, dating back to the reigns of Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor were discovered.

Having spent years in retail, Pegg noted that his previous job lacked "variety," and the excavation work reignited his curiosity about archaeology. In 2022, a friend working at Cotswold Archaeology invited him to participate in a community dig, which ultimately led him to apply for the traineeship. After completing it, he became a qualified archaeologist.

Reflecting on his journey, Pegg said, “As long as you’ve got the interest for it, and you’re prepared to put up with the weather conditions sometimes, as long as you’ve got the passion for it, I think the majority of people are fine and have that capability to progress."

The discovery of the coin hoard, possibly buried as a local savings pot during political uncertainty, was an unexpected surprise. Pegg described it as "mind-blowing," especially since it was discovered in his hometown.

“I think there was some kind of fate involved in that ... to find it where you live, where you grew up ... it’s incredible,” he said.

Now working on excavations in Wickham Market, Pegg encourages others considering a career change to pursue archaeology.

“You just need to have the interest and passion for it,” he said.