金幣的發現改寫了紐芬蘭的歐洲歷史，揭開了古老的謎團

在紐芬蘭南海岸發現的一枚 15 世紀英國金幣是一個考古之謎。它的歷史可追溯至 1420 年代，是加拿大已知最古老的英國硬幣，比約翰·卡伯特 (John Cabot) 到來早了 70 年。這枚硬幣的存在表明歐洲人可能比之前認為的更早出現在紐芬蘭，引發了人們對該地區在哥倫布發現美洲之前的接觸程度的疑問。

Unveiling the Enigma: Ancient Gold Coin Rewrites Newfoundland's European History

揭開謎團：古代金幣改寫了紐芬蘭的歐洲歷史

In a remarkable discovery that has sent shockwaves throughout the archaeological community, a pristine gold coin dating back to the 1420s has been unearthed on Newfoundland's southern shore. This extraordinary find, a quarter noble from the reign of Henry VI, has the potential to rewrite the history books on the European presence in North America.

這是一項震驚整個考古界的非凡發現，紐芬蘭南部海岸出土了一枚 1420 年代的原始金幣。這項非凡的發現是亨利六世統治時期的四分之一貴族，有可能改寫歐洲在北美存在的歷史。

Meticulously preserved as if it were minted just yesterday, the coin predates the previously known oldest English coin discovered in Canada by over half a century. Provincial archaeologist Jamie Brake, whose team pored over the captivating artifact, expressed astonishment at its exceptional condition.

這枚硬幣經過精心保存，彷彿是昨天才鑄造的，比加拿大發現的已知最古老的英國硬幣還要早半個多世紀。省考古學家傑米·布雷克（Jamie Brake）的團隊仔細研究了這件迷人的文物，對其異常狀況表示驚訝。

"This discovery is a treasure trove of historical significance," Brake enthused, describing the coin's journey from the sands of time to the present day. "It has weathered five centuries under the unforgiving elements, yet its beauty and intricate details remain remarkably intact."

「這項發現是具有歷史意義的寶庫，」布雷克興奮地描述了這枚硬幣從沙塵到今天的歷程。 “它在無情的環境下經歷了五個世紀的風雨，但其美麗和複雜的細節仍然完好無損。”

Edward Hynes, the keen-eyed individual who stumbled upon the breathtaking find, dutifully reported his discovery to the provincial archaeology office, adhering to the Historic Resources Act. With utmost care and precision, the office meticulously followed stringent procedures to preserve the integrity of the site.

愛德華·海因斯（Edward Hynes）是一位目光敏銳的人，偶然發現了這一令人驚嘆的發現，他遵守《歷史資源法》，盡職盡責地向省考古辦公室報告了他的發現。辦公室以極其謹慎和精確的態度，一絲不苟地遵循嚴格的程序，以維護網站的完整性。

"We have intentionally withheld the precise location of the discovery," Brake explained, emphasizing the need to safeguard the archaeological site. "Unlike previous finds, this particular site is not currently undergoing active excavation, and we are taking every measure to protect it from potential threats."

布雷克解釋說：「我們故意隱瞞了這項發現的確切位置。」他強調了保護考古遺址的必要性。 “與先前的發現不同，這個特定地點目前並未進行積極的挖掘，我們正在採取一切措施保護它免受潛在威脅。”

The enigmatic quarter noble, a gold coin valued at one shilling and eight pence during its time, was widely circulated throughout the early 15th century. Its presence in Newfoundland, however, poses a captivating historical conundrum.

神秘的四分之一貴族金幣，當時價值一先令八便士，在整個 15 世紀初廣泛流通。然而，它在紐芬蘭的存在提出了一個迷人的歷史難題。

"This coin was minted decades before John Cabot's arrival on the island, which historically marks the commencement of sustained European contact with Newfoundland," Brake pointed out. "This discrepancy poses a tantalizing mystery that invites further investigation."

布雷克指出：“這枚硬幣是約翰·卡伯特抵達該島幾十年前鑄造的，這在歷史上標誌著歐洲與紐芬蘭持續接觸的開始。” “這種差異構成了一個誘人的謎團，需要進一步調查。”

Speculations abound regarding the origins of the coin and its journey to the shores of Newfoundland. Its discovery hints at the possibility of a pre-16th century European presence in the region, a notion that, if substantiated, would have profound implications for our understanding of North America's past.

關於硬幣的起源及其前往紐芬蘭海岸的旅程的猜測比比皆是。它的發現暗示了 16 世紀前歐洲人在該地區存在的可能性，這一觀點如果得到證實，將對我們了解北美的過去產生深遠的影響。

"Archaeological evidence suggests that European presence in Newfoundland predates the 16th century," Brake explained, alluding to tantalizing clues from previous archaeological endeavors. "The potential for uncovering pre-16th century occupation sites would have immense significance for this region."

布雷克解釋說：「考古證據表明，歐洲人在紐芬蘭的存在早於 16 世紀。」他暗指先前考古工作中提供的誘人線索。 “發現 16 世紀前佔領遺址的潛力對該地區具有巨大意義。”

While the mystery surrounding the quarter noble's origins may remain unsolved for now, the coin itself stands as a testament to the captivating tapestry of Newfoundland's history. Ongoing research conducted by a team of experts, including renowned numismatist Paul Berry, former curator of the Bank of Canada's Currency Museum, aims to unravel the secrets concealed within this precious artifact.

雖然圍繞著四分之一貴族起源的謎團目前可能仍未解開，但硬幣本身就是紐芬蘭迷人歷史的見證。包括加拿大銀行貨幣博物館前館長、著名錢幣學家保羅·貝裡在內的專家團隊正在進行持續的研究，旨在揭開隱藏在這件珍貴文物中的秘密。

"Detailed analysis of the coin will provide invaluable insights into its origin and circulation patterns," Berry explained, outlining the meticulous approach being employed to unravel the coin's enigmatic story. "Combining archaeological evidence with numismatic expertise, we hope to piece together the puzzle and uncover the circumstances that led this extraordinary coin to its resting place."

貝裡解釋說：「對硬幣的詳細分析將為了解其起源和流通模式提供寶貴的見解。」他概述了揭開硬幣神秘故事所採用的細緻方法。 “將考古證據與錢幣專業知識相結合，我們希望能夠拼湊出這個謎題，並揭開導致這枚非凡硬幣安息的原因。”

Plans are underway for a future excavation at the discovery site, with the ultimate goal of shedding further light on the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the quarter noble. In the meantime, the coin will undergo thorough examination and conservation, meticulously preparing it for its future role as a captivating centerpiece in the public display at St. John's' renowned The Rooms museum.

未來對該發現地點的挖掘計劃正在進行中，最終目標是進一步揭示圍繞這位四分之一貴族的神秘情況。同時，這枚硬幣將接受徹底的檢查和保存，為未來在聖約翰著名的 The Rooms 博物館的公共展示中成​​為迷人的中心裝飾品而精心準備。

This extraordinary discovery not only enriches our understanding of Newfoundland's rich past but also invites us to delve deeper into the complexities of North America's pre-colonial history. The quarter noble serves as a tangible reminder of the intricate tapestry of human interconnectedness and the enduring legacy of our shared past.

這項非凡的發現不僅豐富了我們對紐芬蘭豐富歷史的理解，也邀請我們更深入地研究北美前殖民歷史的複雜性。四分之一貴族切實地提醒人們，人類相互連結的錯綜複雜，以及我們共同過去的不朽遺產。