Hoard of medieval coins from 15th century discovered by metal detectorists

A hoard of medieval coins from the 15th century has been discovered by two metal detectorists in the Scottish Borders.

Keith Young and Lisa Stephenson came across the “find of a lifetime” when they discovered thirty gold and silver coins in the Cappercleuch area of the Borders.

Archaeologists then excavated the site, finding five more coins.

The find was reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU), which assesses all Scottish archaeological finds.

It will then be referred to the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP), where it will be assigned a monetary value to be paid to finders as an ex gratia reward.

A mix of Scottish and English coins, the coins feature a Scottish gold demy and half-demys of James I (1406-1437) and James II (1437-1460).

They also comprise English silver groats minted by Henry V (1413-1422) to Edward IV (1461-1483).

A coin emerging from the soil during the site excavation. the Crown Office via Supplied

It is though the coins were deposited at the site in the early to mid-1460s.

The coins will now progress through the Treasure Trove system and, following further study, be made available for Accredited museums to acquire through the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP) in due course.

Keith said: “Lisa and I have been lucky enough to have found some wonderful artefacts while metal detecting, but nothing quite prepared us for a find like this.

“Hopefully, the hoard will go on public display for others to enjoy.”

Among the items found was a gold demy of James I. the Crown Office via Supplied

Lisa added: “The hoard is the find of a lifetime, and being part of the excavation with the National Museum and Treasure Trove team was an amazing experience, something we’ll never forget.”

Antony Lee from the Treasure Trove Unit said: “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.

“Keith and Lisa acted promptly and correctly in reporting it to us. In turn we, along with archaeologists from National Museums Scotland, were able to attend and excavate the site, finding five more coins and documenting the circumstances of the hoard alongside the finders.”