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Detectorist Uncovers Up to 15,000 Roman Coins in Wales in Find That May Be the Country’s Largest

Museum specialists are cleaning the hoard ahead of a 2026 assessment that will trigger the Treasure Act process.

A Roman coin hoard of over 6.500 copper-alloy nummi (coins), originally contained in three separate pots, (AD 300-400), found in Wickwar, Gloucestershire, on display at the British Museum in London, as archaeological discoveries made by members of the public are announced for the first time at the museum. Picture date: Tuesday December 14, 2021. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • National Museum Cardiff has taken custody of the two clay pots of coins for cleaning, cataloguing and dating, with a formal assessment and valuation expected next year.
  • David Moss, 36, discovered the hoard in an undisclosed area of north Wales and immediately notified the landowner before arranging expert-guided excavation.
  • Moss and fellow detectorist Ian Nicholson spent roughly six hours lifting the pots, after which Moss guarded the haul for three days before delivering it to Cardiff.
  • Experts including Anthony Halse say the assemblage could prove to be the largest coin hoard found in Wales, though final dating and interpretation are pending.
  • Under the UK Treasure Act, the Crown will claim the find if declared treasure, and any museum purchase would typically split proceeds between the finder and the landowner.