Roman coin hoard unearthed by road workers 62 years ago sells at auction for astonishing £23,240
It was buried for more than 1,500 years before being stumbled upon during roadworks – and now a remarkable collection of Roman treasure has changed hands for thousands of pounds, with the proceeds helping preserve local history.
A stash of Roman treasure buried for more than 1,500 YEARS has finally gone under the hammer – fetching an impressive £23,240 after being discovered during roadworks.
The collection of ancient silver coins was unearthed in Kent in 1964 when workmen widening the A2 stumbled across a long-forgotten hoard dating back to the Roman Empire. And after spending decades in the hands of a local historical society, the first batch has now sold at auction for thousands more than expected.
The Springhead Hoard is believed to have been buried around AD 388, during a turbulent period of raids and rebellions, before its owner seemingly disappeared without returning to collect it.A total of 447 coins were recovered, with members of the Gravesend Historical Society playing a major role in the painstaking search.
Alan Ridgers and Victor Smith, believed to be the last surviving society members involved in the recovery, still remember the extraordinary discovery. Victor recalled how volunteers searched on their knees in parallel lines, separated by strings, as giant earth-moving machines roared nearby. He said he was in the final search line and managed to find just two coins.
The first batch of the treasure, comprising 114 silver siliquae, went up for auction with Noonans on November 10, carrying an estimate of £15,000. But collectors clearly had other ideas, with the coins selling for a whopping £23,240. The remaining coins are expected to follow in spring 2027.
Among the highlights were coins from the reigns of Magnus Maximus and Gratian, dating back to the second half of the fourth century. Experts say the collection is particularly special because the coins remained together underground rather than being scattered or damaged by farming activity. Bradley Hopper, head of the coin department at Noonans, said their surfaces were remarkably fresh and many retained traces of their original shine.
The proceeds will go towards storing, conserving and digitising the historical society's extensive archive, which includes photographs, excavation records and other archaeological treasures.
Richard Taylor, the society's honorary secretary, said: "Sixty years on, it is time for the coins to circulate once more." He added that whoever buys one will also be helping protect Gravesend's history for future generations.