AN INQUEST has been set for next month to determine whether a metal detector’s find of more than 5,000 Roman coins is treasure trove.
Powys Coroner Louise Hunt will sit at Welshpool on June 7 to decide if a find of more than 5,000, third century Roman coins detected in a Montgomery field is treasure trove or not.
Adrian Simmons, a member of the Oldford Force Team of detectors, based at Welshpool, discovered the huge hoard of coins last July and has been anxiously waiting for the inquest to go ahead.
“It was one of those moments that a metal detector dreams of,” he said. “The landowner was as excited as I was.
“Then it was a matter of contacting the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust and together we carried out a further dig. I don’t think I have ever been so excited.”
If the coins are determined to be treasure trove they will be handed to the Crown and Mr Simmons and the landowner will be paid at market value. If not the coins will be their property.
“It’s a very exciting time,” said Mr Simmons. “I am really looking forward to the verdict. This is what metal detecting is all about.”