Norton hoard goes on display
A hoard of 1,056 Roman coins was found near Norton, Doncaster during the metal detecting rally “Coil to the Soil” on 10th – 13th October 2018. It is one of the largest coin hoards found in Yorkshire. It was recorded at the PAS as SWYOR-4B2BFF and later declared Treasure. It was a Find of Note of Regional Importance.
Hoard
The Norton Hoard contains coins from 18 Roman Emperors, (and their wives and mothers) spanning from Mark Antony, which date back to 32BC, through to Severus Alexander. The last latest datable coins in the hoard is from 231 AD. It includes coins of Septimius Severus and his wife Julia Domna (on the coin above), a North African imperial couple who famously set up their imperial residence in York while Severus campaigned in Scotland.
A Romany pottery vessel in a number of fragments was found nearby and was likely the container for the hoard. The reason for depositing the hoard and its location are something of a mystery; it was found in what would have been a rural, farming location some 28 miles from the nearest Roman city of York.
Display in Doncaster
The hoard has been bought by Doncaster City Council.
Professor Michael Lewis, Head of Portable Antiquities & Treasure, British Museum stated “The British Museum is very pleased that this important find has been acquired by Doncaster Museum for public display“
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “What an incredible find! This hoard of Roman coins provides a glimpse into the history of Roman Britain from 1,800 years ago. It allows us to imagine how such a valuable asset came to be buried in the first place and now this treasure will be a part of Doncaster’s history forever.”
Peter Robinson, Collections and Exhibitions Officer (Archaeology) at Heritage Doncaster, added: “It is thanks to metal detector users and other members of the public, dedicated to researching and going out searching for our shared past, and reporting their finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, that such wonderful and important finds come to light. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to acquire this treasure so that everyone can enjoy and learn from their heritage.”