A recent discovery by a metal detectorist in Kent has led to the unearthing of a hoard of Celtic gold coins that could potentially fetch up to £20,000. The collection comprises 35 gold coins or staters, along with nine fragments of a flint nodule that has been reconstructed. The find, made by retiree Tony Asquith after 45 years of metal detecting, is set to be auctioned by Noonans Mayfair on September 18.
Asquith expressed his amazement at the discovery, attributing it to recent ploughing activities in the field which brought the nodule to the surface, subsequently revealing the coins. The coins, called staters, originate from around 55BC, following Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul and his unsuccessful attempt to invade Britain. Nigel Mills, Coins and artifacts Specialist at Noonans, explained the historical significance of the find, highlighting the uniqueness of the discovery within the British context.
The coins feature a shallow domed obverse and a dished reverse displaying a horse galloping to the right with a charioteer’s arm above. They were concealed within the flint nodule, estimated to have formed 90-70 million years ago. This discovery is one of only eleven known hoards of Iron Age gold coins encased in flint nodules found in Britain, with the others housed in museums.
Metal detecting enthusiast Tony Asquith detailed the moment of discovery at the Joan Allen Detecting Rally near Maidstone in Kent. The coins were found in a ploughed field, with Asquith initially uncovering wire and a shotgun cartridge before stumbling upon the precious Celtic staters. The auction of these coins is expected to generate significant interest from collectors and history enthusiasts due to their rarity and historical value.
The find sheds light on Britain’s ancient past, offering a glimpse into a significant period of history that predates the Roman conquest of the region. The upcoming auction presents an opportunity for these rare Celtic gold coins to find a new home among collectors eager to preserve and appreciate the rich heritage of the British Isles.