In an exciting discovery, a rare silver Roman coin found by metal detectorist Paul Capewell in Cambridgeshire is set to go under the hammer, with estimates suggesting it could fetch between £5,000 and £6,000.
Paul, a retired builder from Selston, Nottinghamshire, has been visiting the same field in the village of Little Gransden for more than 20 years. His passion for metal detecting started over 40 years ago, inspired by his father. But this recent find, a coin issued by Emperor Trajan in AD 107, has been his most thrilling yet.
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The Discovery
Paul discovered the Roman coin in November 2022 while scanning a familiar field. Using his trusty Equinox 800 metal detector, he hadn’t had much luck that day, finding only a few old shotgun cartridges. However, as he was heading back to his car, parked just five meters away, he got a signal that would change everything.
“At a depth of eight inches, I found the coin. I didn’t realize how rare it was until I showed it to a coin dealer,” Paul said. The coin has since been recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, confirming its historical value.
The Coin’s Background
The silver coin, issued during the reign of Emperor Trajan, was minted after he recalled worn-out Republican coins from circulation. According to Nigel Mills, Coins and Artefacts Specialist at Noonans Auction House, only two examples of this particular coin have come up for sale in the last 25 years.
This specific coin features a bust of Juno Moneta, the Roman goddess of money, on one side, with the reverse showing tools used in coin-making—a rare design that harks back to an earlier issue in 46 BC by moneyer Titus Carisius, an ally of Julius Caesar.
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What’s Next?
Paul, who retired from the building trade after suffering a heart attack, plans to split the proceeds from the auction with the landowner. He’s already thinking of putting his share toward a new Minelab Manticore metal detector or using it to fund further heart surgery.
The coin will be sold at Noonans Mayfair in London during their Ancient Coins and Antiquities sale on October 22, 2024. With its rarity and historical significance, there’s no doubt it will draw considerable interest from collectors around the world.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.