Duo Finds Roman Coins

[Kev]

A RARE Roman coin has been discovered in the fields of Furness.
from northwest evening mail............

Metal detectorist duo Dave Taylor and Ian Miles, from Dalton, unearthed the coin along with another Roman coin.

Dr David Shotter from Lancaster University identified the artefacts and estimated the coins were from 67 AD and 119 AD, when Emperors Nero and Hadrian ruled.

In his findings, he reported the Nero-era coin was quite rare.

Mr Taylor and Mr Miles have only been detecting together for a few months and have already made a number of discoveries. Mr Taylor said: “When we are walking through the fields in the pouring rain for ages and the fields are like a mud bath, it’s great when you hear that beep. When you see a glimmer of silver, it makes it all worth it. It’s such a buzz. It gives you that kick to carry on.”
The friends found each of their coins in quick succession while searching the same field. Mr Taylor’s rare discovery was made first.

Mr Miles said: “He came running across the field like a 10-year-old with a lollipop. He was like a child, shouting ‘I’ve found a Roman coin’.”

Mr Taylor said: “It’s amazing to think that you are touching something that no one else has been in contact with for 2,000 years.”

The pair are members of the National Council for Metal Detecting and believe honesty is the best policy when detecting.

Mr Taylor said: “We would always split any of our finds 50/50 with the farmers. Even if we aren’t selling it, we would find out how much it was worth and give them half the money. We can’t thank them enough. Without their permission, we couldn’t do anything.

“We like to go back and show them what we have found. Then they come out with all sorts of stories and it tips you off to look in other areas. It’s great. Also, with us on the land, it means they have an extra pair of eyes out. It’s added security.”

As these Roman coins were found separately and are from different eras, they cannot be classified as treasure, but both Mr Miles and Mr Taylor hope that one day they will come across a hoard.

Mr Taylor said: “It takes a lot of patience. We are out every night. You’re always hoping to make that little line in the history books.

“It’s like winning the lottery. If we were to find a hoard, I would rather keep it locally, maybe in the Dock Museum. It’s history from this area, so it should stay here.”

[dances with badgers]

out at night eh