A team of metal detectorists struck gold, or very close to it when they discovered a hoard of silver coins dating back to between 1282AD and 1434AD.
Their medieval find back at the end of 2023 has just come to light after having to be kept secret due to the Treasure Act 1996. The group who uncovered the haul of coins can now speak about their discovery.
Eight coins discovered by Neil King during the first visit to the site a mile away from Okehampton Castle. (Picture: Neil King). ( )
The five members of the Teignbridge History Finders—Paul May, Neil King, Pete Young, Clive Hammett, and Jim Luxton—were responsible for uncovering the treasure about a mile away from Okehampton Castle at the end of last year.
They worked over the course of two visits to the site on the edge of Dartmoor to discover the hoard of 21 silver groats and pennies which were scattered across an area of around three metres. All were found with equipment at a depth of about six inches below the surface.
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The metal detectorists ( )
The landowner of the field, who wishes to remain anonymous, cooperated with the group in reporting the discovery, which is required by law due to the coins’ age and composition. Under the Treasure Act 1996, the hoard is classed as treasure and needs to be reported to the local coroner.
The Okey hoard, as it’s been affectionately named by the group of five, is considered a significant find. It is the first big find for the group, who have only been set up about a year and were on their third and fourth hunt.
Three coins found by Paul May at the site a mile away from Okehampton castle. (Picture: Paul May). ( )
Jim Luxton, who leads the group, said: “It’s a good find for all involved. Although greater hoards are being found every day, it’s still very exciting; you don’t find one every day!”
They coins are currently in storage in Somerset being held by the Devon Finds liaison officer. The assessment of them has dated them as between 1282AD and 1434AD, spanning the reigns of Edward I, Edward III and Henry VI. A further unidentified Roman coin was discovered at the same time.
A final coin found by Jim Luxton on the second visit to the site, when they returned to check the site again. (Picture: Jim Luxton). ( )
Jim adds: “We have been in regular contact with the finds liaison officer and updated on what is happening with the coins.
“They have been through the treasure process with the coroner and now they are being offered to museums. It’s highly unlikely anybody will buy them; they would normally then go back to the finders.
“We’re nowhere near that yet,” he added. “It can take two to three years to be sorted out.”
Editor of Treasure Hunting magazine, also publisher of metal-detecting books, Julian Evan-Hart said: “As with all hoards, the Okey Hoard allows us all to have a privileged glimpse back into times past.
“Where such findings are not historically attested or an actual person depositing the coins recorded and known (and ancient coin hoards like this rarely are), the thrill is therefore provided of everyone being able to have a suggestion, idea or perhaps loosely linked claim as to who, when or maybe.
“The groats are mainly of Henry VI struck at the Calais mint between 1422-1427 with the pennies being mainly Edward III.
“Back in the day this was a considerable amount of money and most likely involves a purse loss which was later scattered perhaps through agricultural activity.
“We shall never know but do know that for whatever reason its original owner never found it or recovered it for whatever reason.
“Another illustration of just how beneficial metal detecting is and how it can contribute to our history and culture and provide evidence for us all to share and marvel at.”