A "significant" collection of silver coins dating back to the 11th century have been discovered at the site of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station taking shape on the Suffolk coast.

A "significant" collection of silver coins dating back to the 11th century have been discovered at the site of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station taking shape on the Suffolk coast.

An archaeologist involved in a pre-construction dig saw the sliver of a coin edge peeping out and started shaking as he realised the importance of his discovery.

It was a "perfect archaeological time capsule" said Andrew Pegg of Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA) which was tasked with carrying out the dig.

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(Image: Sizewell C/OCA) "The information we are learning from it is stunning and I'm so proud to have added to the history of my own little part of Suffolk," he said.

The discovery of the 321 mint-condition silver coins will feature on BBC2’s Digging for Britain today (Tuesday, January 7) at 8pm and on BBC iplayer.

Historians think that the hoard - wrapped in a lead and cloth bundle about the size of a pasty - was probably a savings pot for a local figure worried about political instability following the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042.

(Image: Sizewell C/OCA) The hoard contains coins minted between 1036 and 1044 during the reigns of Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor.

Most were minted in London - but some were struck at other places including Thetford, Norwich, Ipswich, Lincoln and Stamford and at smaller mints, such as Langport and Axbridge in southwestern England making them quite rare.

Experts think that it would have belonged to someone of middling status and of local influence as it was worth about the value of a small herd of cows.

Harold  I coin (Image: Sizewell C/OCA) The mid-11th century in England was fraught with uncertainty after 25 years of rule by Danish king Cnut followed by his sons Harold and Harthacnut.

Edward the Confessor was crowned in 1042 restoring the House of Wessex to the throne of England.

Some wealthier individuals associated with the previous rulers were exiled or had property confiscated after the regime change - and it's thought the owner of the hoard buried it with the aim of retrieving it at a later date.

Alexander Bliss - a coin specialist at OCA - said playing a small part in bringing the story of the hoard to life was "an honour and a privilege".

Close-up of the coin hoard (Image: Sizewell C/OCA) "This new coin hoard provides us with valuable insight into the rich historical backdrop of this period, adding to the evidence that Edward the Confessor’s accession to the English throne was marked by a degree of uncertainty and concern within wider society," he said.

“Analysing this new coin hoard has been a wholly collaborative effort, involving valuable input from multiple specialists and project partners in the fields of numismatics, finds and conservation."

The hoard is not the first find at the construction site - which has already unearthed World War Two artefacts including helmets, a compass and other equipment.

Sizewell C site delivery director Damian Leydon described it as "an extraordinary find".

"Archaeology is an important step in the Sizewell C project, helping us understand what lies beneath the ground before construction begins," he said.

"This project provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into Suffolk’s rich history, deepening our understanding of this part of Britain.

"In partnership with Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, we plan to make these discoveries as accessible to the public as possible.”

Rewilding plans are under way as part of the planning permissions for the new nuclear build. Plans to build the plant were given the go-ahead last year.