Ancient coin hoard doubles auction estimate

A remarkable collection of over 680 ancient gold and silver coins, dating from 206 BC to AD 46/47, was sold on Sept. 18 at Noonans Mayfair for more than double the original estimate—£132,865 (approximately CAD $225,000).

The hoard was discovered by a metal detectorist on the grounds of Helmingham Hall near Stowmarket, Suffolk, and was initially estimated to fetch £75,000 (CAD $127,000). The discovery was made by George Ridgway, a resident of Ashbocking, just a few miles from the historic hall. After the sale, Ridgway expressed his delight with the result.

George Ridgway is seen here unearthing the hoard in September 2019. (Photos of George Ridgway).

Reflecting on the find, Ridgway recounted: “On Sept. 8, 2019, I decided to investigate an unusual crop mark in a recently harvested barley field in Suffolk with my Garrett AT Pro metal detector. I knew a Roman road ran close to the field, but after scouring the area, nothing turned up. I moved 30 yards away and recovered two early Roman bronze Colchester-type brooches from the mid-1st century AD. Another signal revealed a silver denarius issued by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. Over the next three hours, I found 160 more Roman silver coins, some attached to pottery fragments. I knew I had made a significant archaeological discovery and called my dad to guard the site overnight until the archaeological team arrived. It took three months to fully recover the hoard.”

Ridgway’s discovery eventually totalled 748 gold and silver coins, with the British Museum and Colchester & Ipswich Museum acquiring 63 coins, including a rare aureus of Claudius, for their collections.

Alice Cullen, a coin specialist at Noonans, added: “This is one of the largest hoards containing both Iron Age and Roman coins found in Britain, with the latest coins of Claudius and those of Cunobelin in near-perfect condition. The location and date range suggest the hoard may have been buried by a long-serving legionary soldier from the XX Legion, stationed near Colchester. It’s possible the hoard was hidden by a victim of the AD 47 Iceni rebellion after the Romans ordered them to disarm, leading to a battle at Stonea Camp.”

Ridgway, 34, who works for his family’s butcher shop and has been a passionate history enthusiast since childhood, said he was inspired by Indiana Jones to start “history hunting” at the age of four. “I dreamed of finding a Roman hoard ever since my grandmother bought me a metal detector for my 12th birthday,” he said. “It was an awe-inspiring moment when I realized I had found one!”

The proceeds from the sale will be split between Ridgway and the landowner. When asked about his plans for the proceeds, Ridgway joked: “First, I’d like to buy my dad a pint!”

The highest price at the auction was for a denarius of Gaius Caesar, better known as Caligula, dating from AD 37-38, featuring a portrait of Agrippina. It sold for £7,000 (CAD $11,900), exceeding its estimate of £2,000-£2,600 (CAD $3,400–$4,400). A denarius of Claudius, dating from AD 41-42, sold for £5,000 (CAD $8,500), surpassing its estimate of £1,500-£1,800 (CAD $2,500–$3,000).

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