Ancient Treasure Discovery Leads to Major Payday
In September 2019, 34-year-old archaeologist George Ridgway unearthed a collection of over 680 gold and silver coins using a metal detector in the grounds of Helmingham Hall near Stowmarket in Suffolk. The discovery resulted in a significant windfall for Ridgway.
A Remarkable Find
The initial find of two Roman brooches led to the discovery of a silver coin from Julius Caesar dating back to 46 B.C. Subsequent excavation revealed Iron Age gold coins of Cunobelin, the king of the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes tribes, dating back to 206 B.C. up to the reign of Emperor Claudius in 46-47 A.D.
Ridgway shared that his passion for history hunting, inspired by the fictional character Indiana Jones, drove his interest in uncovering ancient artifacts. Since receiving a metal detector from his grandmother at the age of 12, finding a Roman hoard had been a lifelong goal for him. The discovery of Roman gold and silver coins left him in awe.
Unexpected Valuation
An auction of the coins was estimated to bring in £75,000 (about $100,000), but the final sale exceeded expectations. The auction held on Sept. 18 generated a total of £132,865 (about $177,000), showcasing the historical significance and monetary value of Ridgway’s discovery.
Shared Rewards
Sixty-three of the coins from the collection were allocated to the British Museum and the Colchester & Ipswich Museum for preservation and display. The proceeds from the auction are being split between the landowner and Ridgway, highlighting the collaborative nature of archaeological discoveries.
Additionally, Ridgway expressed his modest plans for the earnings, mentioning his desire to treat his father to a pint with some of the money.
The money from the auction is being split between the landowner and the person who found the ancient coins. (George Ridgway)
Ancient Treasure Discovery Leads to Major Payday
In September 2019, 34-year-old archaeologist George Ridgway unearthed a collection of over 680 gold and silver coins using a metal detector in the grounds of Helmingham Hall near Stowmarket in Suffolk. The discovery resulted in a significant windfall for Ridgway.
A Remarkable Find
The initial find of two Roman brooches led to the discovery of a silver coin from Julius Caesar dating back to 46 B.C. Subsequent excavation revealed Iron Age gold coins of Cunobelin, the king of the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes tribes, dating back to 206 B.C. up to the reign of Emperor Claudius in 46-47 A.D.
Ridgway shared that his passion for history hunting, inspired by the fictional character Indiana Jones, drove his interest in uncovering ancient artifacts. Since receiving a metal detector from his grandmother at the age of 12, finding a Roman hoard had been a lifelong goal for him. The discovery of Roman gold and silver coins left him in awe.
Unexpected Valuation
An auction of the coins was estimated to bring in £75,000 (about $100,000), but the final sale exceeded expectations. The auction held on Sept. 18 generated a total of £132,865 (about $177,000), showcasing the historical significance and monetary value of Ridgway’s discovery.
Shared Rewards
Sixty-three of the coins from the collection were allocated to the British Museum and the Colchester & Ipswich Museum for preservation and display. The proceeds from the auction are being split between the landowner and Ridgway, highlighting the collaborative nature of archaeological discoveries.
Additionally, Ridgway expressed his modest plans for the earnings, mentioning his desire to treat his father to a pint with some of the money.
The money from the auction is being split between the landowner and the person who found the ancient coins. (George Ridgway)
