Inquest decides Roman coins are treasure

A METAL detector enthusiast who found one of the largest hoards of Roman coins in Britain was hoping for a substantial reward after his find was declared treasure at an inquest.

Dave Crisp found around 52,000 coins dating from the third century buried in a field near Frome, Somerset, in April.

The coins, made from debased silver or bronze, were in a ceramic pot just over a foot below the surface.

The find also included coins issued during the reign of Carausius from 286 to 293. He was the first Roman emperor to strike coins in Britain.

Mr Crisp said: "I have been metal-detecting since 1988 and this hoard is the most exciting and important find that I have ever made."

The find was declared treasure and property of the Crown at an inquest at East Somerset Coroner's Court in Frome.

The amount to be split between Mr Crisp and the landowner will be set by the Treasure Valuation Committee in the coming weeks.