Metal detector enthusiasts recently discovered a hoard of coins from the era of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066-1068.

The New York Times reports that “the group huddled together in the farmer’s field, staring at the dozen or so medieval silver coins. They had found one, then two, and a third — Adam Staples knew, then, this was something special.”

According to The New York Times, “Mr. Staples had gathered with six friends that day in 2019 to try out a new metal detector, part of a hobby in which he had indulged for years. But everyone realized, looking down at the pieces of old metal: This find could change their lives.”

“Five years later, the hoard of coins — known as the Chew Valley hoard, for the region of Somerset, England, in which they were found — has been confirmed as the most valuable treasure ever discovered in Britain. It was acquired by the South West Heritage Trust, an independent charity, for 4.3 million British pounds, or more than $5 million, which will be split among Mr. Staples, his friends, and the farmer.”

Northern Illinois University students in HIST 110 History of the Western World I will be interested in this new find.

The New York Times reports on the Chew Valley hoard and its disposition. Smithsonian Magazine and also published a report.