Field-found silver coins declared treasure

The largest of the coins is an Elizabeth I threepence and was made in 1574

The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme The front and back of the Elizabeth I threepence. The silver coins have lost their circular shape and the edges are worn. The markings on the both faces are worn down. The left image shows a faded portrait of Queen Elizabeth. The right images shows a faded coat of arms in a shield shape and sectioned into quarters, with the date 1574 above it. — The largest of the coins is an Elizabeth I threepence and was made in 1574

Silver coins from the Tudor and Stuart periods which were discovered in a field have been officially declared treasure.

The three coins, the largest of which is dated 1574, were found by a metal detectorist in October 2023 near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.

Two of the coins — a shilling and a threepence — display the busts of Elizabeth I, while another shilling show Charles I.

Coroner Margaret Taylor declared the find treasure because "the hoard contains more than one silver coin of precious metal and is over 300 years old".

The coins were found about 6ins (15cm) below the ground in rough grazing land in the Ravenstonedale parish.

The British Museum confirmed them to be post-medieval and said they date from between 1574, when the Elizabeth I threepence was minted, and 1648.

Elizabeth was the last of the Tudor monarchs of England and Ireland, reigning from 1558 until her death in 1603.

Charles I was the second Stuart King of England, Scotland and Ireland who came to the throne in 1625 and was executed in 1649.

A shilling found in the field shows a portrait of Charles I

The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme A worn silver coin. The left image shows a faded image of Charles I on the coin. Details of his crown can be made out. The left image shows the reverse side of the coin and shows a coat of arms, which include a harp and a lion. The coat of arms is off-centre. — A shilling found in the field shows a portrait of Charles I

At a hearing in Cockermouth to determine the status of the coins, Coroner Ms Taylor said: "Penrith and Eden Museum has expressed an interest in acquiring them.

"I therefore have no hesitation in confirming that these coins do, in fact, qualify as treasure."

Those who think they have found treasure are required to report it to the coroner within 14 days, which can be done by contacting the area's finds liaison officer online.

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