Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

[Satori]

Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

Last Updated: 1:10am GMT 17/03/2008

A treasure-hunter could be in line for a small fortune after unearthing two rare coins that shed light on a little-known rebel Roman emperor.
Donatello's David shines after laser clean-up

Derrick Fretwell's finds, which date back to AD286 and the reign of Carausius, have been hailed "priceless" by experts at the British Museum.

Mr Fretwell, 57, was digging in a field near Ashbourne, Derbys, when he uncovered the coins, which are at least 90 per cent gold.

The machinery sales manager said yesterday: "I'll be intrigued to find out what they are worth, although to me their worth is their rarity value."

Carausius, a Roman fleet commander, declared himself Emperor of Britain around 286 or 287 after the emperor in Rome ordered his execution.

Sam Moorhead, an expert in Roman antiquities at the British Museum, said: "Gold coins of Carausius are extremely rare, with only 23 in existence until now. Ethically, I am not allowed to put a valuation on them - but I reckon they are priceless."

A coroner has ruled that the coins are "treasure trove". An independent treasure committee will decide a value for the coins before Mr Fretwell, a father-of-three, learns the size of his windfall.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[Tommi]

Re: Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

"independent treasure committee will decide a value" - I somehow don't think the finder will receive "market" value - IE if he sold them in a major auction house like Christies.

 

[Magic Fingers]

Re: Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

I was in Derby in 2006...sure wish I was into MDing then....that is where many of my family roots are.

I hope that guy gets lots of money for that find.

 

[EDDE]

Re: Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

if he sold them in a major auction house like Christies.

your ignorance of the British treasure laws shine threw

 

[Tommi]

Re: Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

Under the Treasure Act, it was taken away for valuation by the Treasure Valuation Committee.
Once its value is decided, a reward equal to the value of the item is given to the finder.

EDDE go play cricket with your father


Magic Fingers - I hope he also gets a lot of money
and I hope one day you can get back there and find many Carausius coins

 

[dennisdunigan]

Re: Treasure hunter finds rare Carausius coins

I wish the US had such laws, we would know of a lot more finds.
Great find!!