A treasure trove of 321 silver coins, dating back over 1,000 years, was discovered during construction at a UK nuclear power plant, offering insights into Anglo-Saxon and Norman history.
Key Facts:
– Archaeologists found 321 silver coins at a nuclear power plant construction site in the UK.
– The coins date back over 1,000 years, from the late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman periods.
– The hoard includes two types of coins: “Short Cross” and “Long Cross,” named for their designs.
– Experts believe the coins were buried for safekeeping during a time of unrest.
The Rest of The Story:
During construction at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, UK, archaeologists uncovered a significant hoard of silver coins.
These 321 coins date back over a millennium, spanning the late Anglo-Saxon era through the early Norman period.
The collection features two distinct coin types: “Short Cross” and “Long Cross,” each named after the cross designs on their reverse sides.
The “Long Cross” design, which extends to the coin’s edge, was initially introduced to prevent the practice of clipping silver from the coin’s edges.
Experts suggest that the coins were likely buried for safekeeping during times of political instability or conflict.
📺 We were on the @BBC!
Catch last week’s Digging for Britain (Series 12, Ep 1) to see how nine months of archaeological work at Sizewell C uncovered incredible finds: an Early Anglo-Saxon structure, Roman salterns, prehistoric pottery, medieval buildings – and over 300 silver… pic.twitter.com/KfhT6doWo0
— Sizewell C (@sizewellc) January 14, 2025
The discovery offers valuable insights into the region’s history, shedding light on the economic and social conditions of the era.
The coins are currently undergoing further analysis to determine more about their origins and the circumstances leading to their concealment.
Oxford Cotswold Archaeology discovered a lead package containing 321 silver coins in mint condition during excavations at Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast. The hoard of coins dates back to the 11th Century. https://t.co/758jyRmzA3
— Ticia Verveer (@ticiaverveer) January 8, 2025
The Bottom Line:
The unearthing of this ancient coin hoard at a modern construction site provides a remarkable glimpse into the UK’s historical past.
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It highlights the enduring presence of history beneath contemporary developments.