Museum puts coins hoard out on display

A hoard of coins dating back almost 2,000 years, which was found in a Shropshire field, is to go on public display this weekend.

The Sheriffhales Roman Coin Hoard, which was found by metal detectorist Terry Hayward in a farmer's field near Newport in 2009, will be on show at the Newport Heritage Centre on Saturday.

The 86 bronze coins date from the reign of Vespasian (AD 69-79) to the reign of Antoninus Pius (AD138-161). A pot was also found nearby.

The coins have been examined and recorded by the British Museum and have now been returned to the finder.

"They've been in the ground for 2,000 years so it's no good them being stuck in a drawer," said Mr Hayward

"I'm glad people are going to get the chance to see them. For me that's what it's all about. I find it really interesting and fascinating.

"I spoke to the owner of the field and we both wanted to make sure they stayed in the area.

"The heritage centre will have them on display for as long as they want them."

Mr Hayward, who lives in Wrockwardine Wood in Telford, had been metal detecting with the Shropshire Search Society for two years when he came across his incredible find one summer morning.

He said: "I went out on a regular Sunday morning dig and as I went along I found one coin. I dug down and got a stronger signal and there they were, spread over two or three feet. I think a plough had broken the pot and sprayed them out. To a metal detector, a find like that is like winning the lottery.

"Blokes I know have been detecting for 30 years and have never had a find like it. It was just one of those days."

The coins have been valued at between £250 and £350 but Mr Hayward has decided not to cash in.

Julian Meeson, Newport History Society finds officer, said: "Two types of coin were found to make up the hoard, sestertii and dupondii. These two denominations were the basic units of currency in Roman Britain."

Mr Hayward cannot reveal the exact location of the find for fear of illegal detectorists, known as nighthawkers.

The centre, in High Street, is open each Saturday from 10am to 4pm.