11th c. coin hoard found in lead casing

A hoard of 11th century coins tightly wrapped in lead sheeting has been discovered at Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast. The packet contained 321 silver coins issued between 1036 and 1044 that were first placed in a textile object that has now decomposed before having the lead sheet bent around it.

Sizewell C is the site of a planned nuclear power station. Contractors Oxford Cotswold Archaeology were engaged to excavate before construction. The team unearthed the hoard at the intersection of two medieval boundary lines, suggesting the person who buried it picked the spot for ease of retrieval. The hoard, still tightly encased in its lead sheet, was removed to a laboratory where conservators carefully pried open the lead seam and excavated the coins from the interior.

The coins are all pennies except for two cut halfpence, so a notable chunk of change, but not coins of enormous value individually or in the aggregate. Based on prices recorded in legal codes from the period, the hoard would have been enough to buy 16 cows. It was likely the savings of someone who made good money, perhaps a prosperous local farmer, not a member of the regional or national elite.

The coins were issued during the reigns of Harold I ‘Harefoot’ (1036-40), Harthacnut (1040-2) and Edward the Confessor (1042-66), with the majority being issued by Harold I, Harthacnut second and Edward the Confessor taking up the rear with just 24 coins. The most recent of the coins are of the PACX type, issued at the beginning Edward’s reign between the summer of 1042 and the end of 1044. The coins were struck in more than 30 different mints. About 40% of the coins were minted in London; the other were struck in mints across England, include Thetford, Norwich, Ipswich, Bedford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Lincoln, Stamford, Axbridge and Langport.

Archaeologists believe the timing of the most recent coins suggest the reason why the hoard was buried. Edward the Confessor was the first ruler of the House of Wessex to retake the English throne after 25 years of Danish rule under Cnut and his sons Harold I and Harthacnut. Edward is known to have confiscated lands and exiled perceived enemies in the first years of his reign, and hoards dating to 1042-44 have been found all across England.

Damian Leydon, site delivery director at Sizewell C, said the find was “extraordinary”.

“This project provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into Suffolk’s rich history, deepening our understanding of this part of Britain,” he added.

“In partnership with Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, we plan to make these discoveries as accessible to the public as possible.”

* This article was originally published here