業餘金屬探測器挖掘出英國內戰時期埋藏的寶藏

金屬探測器新手米奇理查森 (Mickey Richardson) 發現了一大堆可追溯至英國內戰期間的 234 枚銀幣。 1644 年，一位農民在戰爭動盪期間隱藏了這些埋藏的寶藏，經過幾個世紀的反覆犁耕和撒落，人們在多切斯特附近的一片泥濘地裡發現了這些寶藏。理查森在頂級金屬探測器的幫助下發現了從愛德華六世到查理一世的硬幣，其中一些被天主教異見者污損。

Unearthing History: Amateur Detectorist Discovers Buried Treasure Trove from the English Civil War

挖掘歷史：業餘偵探發現英國內戰時期埋藏的寶藏

In a remarkable turn of events, novice metal detectorist Mickey Richardson stumbled upon an extraordinary find that has captivated historians and collectors alike. Utilizing a state-of-the-art metal detector, Richardson meticulously unearthed 234 silver coins from a muddy field in Ansty, near Dorchester.

事情發生了驚人的轉變，新手金屬探測器米奇·理查森偶然發現了一項非凡的發現，這一發現吸引了歷史學家和收藏家。理查森利用最先進的金屬探測器，從多切斯特附近安斯蒂的泥濘地裡小心翼翼地挖出了 234 枚銀幣。

The coins, dating from the reigns of King Edward VI, Queen Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I, were believed to have been buried in 1644 amidst the turmoil of the English Civil War. The discovery provides a tangible glimpse into a turbulent period of English history and showcases the enduring power of buried treasure.

這些硬幣的歷史可以追溯到愛德華六世國王、伊麗莎白一世女王、詹姆斯一世和查理一世統治時期，據信是在 1644 年英國內戰的動盪時期被埋葬的。這項發現讓我們得以切實一睹英國歷史上的動盪時期，並展示了埋藏寶藏的持久力量。

According to Richardson, he had only recently taken up metal detecting as a hobby when he noticed a strong signal while exploring the field. After digging down into the earth, he encountered the first of the Charles I shillings, igniting his excitement and leading him to dedicate the next several hours to meticulously excavating the remaining coins.

據理查森說，他最近才開始將金屬探測作為一種愛好，當時他在探索該領域時注意到了強烈的信號。深入地下後，他遇到了第一枚查理一世先令，這激起了他的興奮，並促使他在接下來的幾個小時精心挖掘剩餘的硬幣。

The coins, which had been scattered over a wide area due to repeated plowing, bore the marks of time. Some of the Elizabeth and James I coins exhibited scratches, possibly inflicted by a former Catholic owner protesting the Protestant views that had led to the Reformation.

由於重複耕作，這些錢幣散落一地，留下了歲月的痕跡。一些伊麗莎白和詹姆斯一世硬幣上有刮痕，可能是由一位前天主教所有者抗議導致宗教改革的新教觀點造成的。

Richardson promptly reported his discovery to the local Finds Liaison Officer, as mandated by the Treasure Act (1996). The British Museum examined the hoard before relinquishing it to Richardson, thereby affirming his right to retain possession.

根據《寶藏法》（1996 年）的規定，理查森立即向當地尋寶聯絡官報告了他的發現。大英博物館在將其交給理查森之前檢查了該寶藏，從而確認了他保留佔有的權利。

Subsequently, the coins were auctioned off by London auctioneers Spink & Son, where they fetched an impressive £18,500. With additional fees, the final sale price reached £23,000. Richardson, in accordance with the Treasure Act, will split the proceeds equally with the landowner.

隨後，這些硬幣被倫敦拍賣行 Spink & Son 拍賣，拍出 18,500 英鎊的高價。加上額外費用，最終售價達到 23,000 英鎊。根據《財富法》，理查森將與土地所有者平分收益。

Richardson's serendipitous discovery underscores the significance of metal detecting as a means of uncovering historical artifacts. The hoard of coins serves as a testament to the tumultuous events of the English Civil War and the lives of those who lived through it.

理查森的偶然發現強調了金屬探測作為發現歷史文物手段的重要性。這批硬幣見證了英國內戰的動盪事件以及經歷過這場戰爭的人們的生活。

Experts at Spink & Son have noted the rarity of such finds coming up for public sale, highlighting the exceptional nature of Richardson's discovery. The auction itself generated considerable excitement, with Richardson eagerly witnessing the sale unfold online.

Spink & Son 的專家指出，公開出售的此類發現非常罕見，凸顯了理查森發現的特殊性。拍賣本身引起了相當大的興奮，理查森熱切地見證了拍賣在網路上的展開。

"I was jumping up and down," Richardson exclaimed. "It wasn't about the money but about the history and preserving the coins. The money is a bonus."

「我上躥下跳，」理查森驚呼。 “這不是錢的問題，而是歷史和硬幣保護的問題。錢是額外的獎勵。”

Britain's history abounds with Civil War hoards, with nearly 400 documented cases. However, it remains a relatively uncommon occurrence for such finds to be made available for public auction.

英國歷史上充斥著內戰時期的囤積物品，有近 400 個有案可查的案例。然而，將此類發現進行公開拍賣的情況仍然相對罕見。

Richardson's discovery serves as a reminder of the rich and often hidden history that lies beneath our feet. Through his dedication and perseverance, he has unearthed a treasure trove that sheds light on a pivotal chapter in England's past. As Richardson plans a summer holiday with his share of the proceeds, he carries with him the memories of an unforgettable day and the tangible evidence of a bygone era.

理查森的發現提醒我們，我們腳下隱藏著豐富的歷史。透過他的奉獻和堅持，他挖掘了一個寶庫，揭示了英格蘭過去的關鍵篇章。當理查森計劃用他的收益份額度過一個暑假時，他帶著難忘的一天的記憶和過去時代的實際證據。