In what can only be described as a monumental find, amateur metal detectorists Keith Young and Lisa Stephenson have uncovered a treasure trove of 15th-century coins in the Scottish Borders region, near Cappercleuch. Their discovery, hailed by experts as “the find of a lifetime,” has excited both archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike, providing a rare glimpse into the medieval world of both Scotland and England.
The collection of over 30 gold and silver coins is unique not only for its age but also for its mix of English and Scottish currency from the 1400s. The coins, minted under the reigns of several monarchs, offer important insights into the economic and political landscape of the time. According to a report in The Scotsman, the hoard includes English silver groats from Henry V and Edward IV, as well as Scottish gold demy and half-demy coins from the reigns of James I and James II. This is an incredibly rare find, especially considering the specific time period and geographical context in which it was discovered.
A Glimpse into the Past: What the Coins Reveal About the 15th Century
The historical value of this coin hoard lies in both its contents and its context. The English silver groats, first introduced by Edward I in the late 13th century, were commonly used across England. During the 1400s, these coins became an essential part of the currency in both England and Scotland, marking the intertwining economic influences between the two countries. The groats discovered at Cappercleuch were minted by Henry V, who ruled from 1413 to 1422, and Edward IV, whose reign spanned from 1461 to 1483. The presence of these English coins in Scotland gives us a direct connection to the monetary exchange and political dynamics of the era.
Equally fascinating are the Scottish gold coins, including the demy and half-demy coins, which were minted under the rule of James I and James II. The Scottish demy was a gold coin, valued at roughly nine shillings, while the half-demy was half that value. These coins were closely tied to the French monetary system, as evidenced by the name “demy,” which is derived from the French word “démier,” meaning “half.” The discovery of these coins in Scotland further illustrates the significant cultural and economic interactions between Scotland, England, and France during the 15th century, especially given the political context of the time.
The Journey of the Discovery: From Unearthing to Excavation
When Keith Young and Lisa Stephenson first unearthed the coins, they knew they had stumbled upon something remarkable. Their discovery was not only historic but also ethically handled. According to Antony Lee, who runs Scotland’s Treasure Trove Unit, the couple acted “promptly and correctly” in reporting the find. This swift action allowed archaeologists to begin a formal investigation, and in doing so, they uncovered five additional coins nearby, bringing the total to 35 coins.
“The hoard is the find of a lifetime,” said Lisa Stephenson in a statement released by Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. “Coin hoards containing a mix of both English and Scottish coins are not unusual, but we do not see many hoards from this period in Scotland, so it’s a fascinating find,” explained Antony Lee. The discovery adds to the growing body of knowledge about Scotland’s medieval economy and its relations with neighboring England during a time of political tension and warfare.
What’s Next for the Hoard?
Now that the hoard has been excavated, the next steps will involve a thorough analysis by archaeologists and historians to better understand the context and significance of the discovery. Once this process is completed, the coins will be handed over to the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP). The panel is responsible for determining the monetary value of the coins, which will then be used to reward the finders for their discovery. It is expected that the coins will eventually be made available for display in museums, allowing the public to experience this exceptional piece of Scotland’s history.
The discovery also raises questions about the future of archaeological finds in Scotland and beyond. As the Treasure Trove Unit continues to investigate and document such discoveries, it underscores the importance of public engagement and the potential for more hidden treasures to be uncovered through the diligence of amateur metal detectorists and the expertise of professional archaeologists.
