Rare Roman Coin hoard found in Dorset goes on display here
The set was acquired by Dorset Museum last year
A hoard of Roman coins in Askerswell, West Dorset in 2017 has gone on display in the county for the first time.
A total of 627 silver denarius coins were recovered, during a metal detecting rally and excavation by Mike Trevarthen and Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen.
The hoard was probably buried in the late 80s CE and it's the largest hoard of its date in Britain.
Dorset Museum raised a total of £34,977 to acquire them through the Treasure process, with the support of significant grants from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Trust Archaeological Acquisitions Fund, Richard Beleson and a number of other private donors.
A new showcase display, which runs until 28th September 2023, allows visitors a first glance at some of the most important coins from the hoard, as well as an insight into the work going on behind the scenes to research, catalogue and eventually to display the whole hoard in the Museum’s People’s Dorset gallery.
Elizabeth Selby, Director of Collections and Public Engagement at the Museum said:
“We were delighted to have been able to acquire this rare and significant coin hoard in 2022 with the support of a number of generous funders and donors. We are thrilled to be able to give visitors a first glance at the Hoard as we continue to carry out the necessary work to catalogue, photograph and research it. We hope that the hoard will go on permanent display at the Museum in 2024.”
Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, Finds Liaison Officer for Dorset Council said:
“This exceptional discovery was reported by the finders as potential treasure through the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, and it is important that the Dorset Museum was able to acquire it as a result of the process.”