“Flabbergasted” detectorist’s gold find is sold

Rob Thompson was detecting in a field near Sutton Cheney in 2021 when he got a signal and dug down to find a gold coin. He says he was “flabbergasted” to find another stacked underneath it.

Rob’s find of 2 gold ryals of Edward IV were recorded at the PAS as LEIC-151EAE. They were considered for Treasure and then disclaimed.

Given the find spot was close to the site of the Battle of Bosworth, it is thought that they were hidden immediately before the battle for safekeeping.

Rob said “It was special to think I was the first person to hold these coins in over 500 years“

They appeared as Lot 248 and 249 in Essex Coin Auctions sale of 19 October 2023, where they made £7,500 and £6,000 respectively. Auctioneer Adam Staples said: “We are really happy with the sale. It’s a high price but these are exceptional coins. It is one of those things it was just amazing to hold them in my hand. I was thrilled when I heard Rob had found them, and I’m even more thrilled now.”