Anglesey Yields Iron Age Treasure Trove: Gold Coins Declared Treasure
A remarkable discovery of an Iron Age gold coin hoard in Anglesey has been officially declared a treasure by the Senior Coroner for North West Wales. This hoard was unearthed near the village of Llangoed, situated on the picturesque island of Anglesey in north-west Wales.
The significance of this find prompted the detectorists behind the discovery, namely Peter Cockton, Lloyd Roberts, and Tim Watson, to promptly report their findings to the Portable Antiquities Scheme. This initiative focuses on cataloging the multitude of minor yet archaeologically significant discoveries made by the public across the UK.
Comprising 15 gold coins referred to as staters, this hoard dates back to a span between 60 BC and 20 BC. These coins were minted across three distinct mints in what is now Lincolnshire. They are attributed to the Corieltavi tribe, who occupied the region of modern East Midlands during the latter part of the Iron Age. Notably, the Corieltauvi were known for transitioning into a society with agricultural foundations, starting to mint inscribed coins during the early 1st century BC.
Sean Derby, a Historic Environment Record Archaeologist and the PAS Cymru Finds Recording Officer at Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, expressed, “This hoard is a splendid testament to the wealth of the archaeological heritage in North-West Wales. While the immediate vicinity of the discovery did not divulge its origins, the find spot rests within an area characterized by prehistoric and early Roman activities, contributing to our comprehension of this locale. I extend my gratitude to the discoverers and the landowner for promptly reporting the find, enabling us to explore the site.”
The coin design exhibits a distinct stylistic flair, drawing inspiration from the gold coins associated with Phillip II of Macedonia. These Macedonian coins showcase Apollo’s bust on the obverse and a chariot drawn by two horses with a charioteer on the reverse.
In the case of the staters found in this hoard, the obverse features an artistically presented wreath and hair of Apollo, while the reverse presents an imaginative triangular-headed horse motif, accompanied by an array of surrounding symbols.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the past but also emphasizes the historical wealth woven into the landscapes of Anglesey and beyond.
