A silver Roman coin was found as part of a coin hoard in Adforton on October 4 2018, and was officially declared treasure by Herefordshire coroner Mark Bricknell at an inquest held at Hereford Town Hall on January 15 this year.
The treasure was unearthed by metal detectorist William Burleigh, who had been legally detecting on land owned by Glynn Williams near but not within an Iron Age and early Roman site.
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The coin has been identified as a silver denarius issued by Marcus Porcius Laeca in 125 BC. On the obverse side of the coin, the head of Roma, a female deity who represents the Roman state, wearing a winged helmet is visible. On the reverse side, Libertas, the goddess of liberty, can be seen holding reins, and a rod. Below Libertas, are the words ‘Roma’ and ‘M Porc’, as in Marcus Porcius Laeca.
The coin is 17.1mm in diameter, weighs 3.37 grams and has some damage on the edge.
The coin was found as part of a hoard that contained another republican denarius, this one being issued by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius and dating to 81 BC.
Due to them being of similar age and in close proximity, it is likely that the coins were deposited together and dispersed by the plough over time.
Under the Treasure Act 1996 all objects over 300 years old and containing more than 10 per cent of precious metal are classified treasure.
Those who find items believed to be historical treasures are legally required to hand them in. Not reporting a treasure carries an unlimited fine or up to three months in prison.