Appeal launched to keep Roman coins in county

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AN APPEAL has been launched to help keep last year's significant hoard of Roman coins in the county.

Museums Worcestershire needs to raise a total of £40,000 to make sure the 3,784 coins discovered on Bredon Hill last October can go on display throughout Worcestershire.

The hoard was found by metal detecting enthusiasts Jethro Carpenter and Mark Gilmore with the coins spanning 16 different emperors between 244 AD to 282 AD.

Research undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeological and Archives Service with the British Museum indicates the hoard was buried nearly a century after it was accumulated.

The cost covers the market valuation from the Treasure Valuation Committee, the costs of conservation estimated by the British Museum and the price of a case to display it in estimated by Worcestershire County Council.

The hoard is currently held in the British Museum and the county has just four months to raise the money.

The five-figure valuation comes after more than 3,000 visitors came to see the hoard when it was on display at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum with almost £1,400 raised in donations.

Museums Worcestershire is now hoping residents can build on this exceptional response which followed after the discovery.

Philippa Tinsley, senior curator for Museums Worcestershire said: "We made a brilliant start to the campaign to keep the hoard in the county last year and we're hoping residents across the county will show their support and make a donation.

"Every little will help keep to keep this wonderful treasure in the county where it belongs."

Residents can make a donation by visiting www.charitychoice.co.uk/worcestershire-hoard/ or by visiting www.museumsworcestershire.co.uk.

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