Meet the ancient Roman treasure hoard that could change history

In 2023, an ancient hoard of Roman imperial-era treasure was unearthed during a construction project near the village of Worcester in England. It was a surprising discovery and one that was set to change history.

The substantial cache of treasures included 1,368 coins and has become known as the Worcestershire Conquest Hoard, a nod to the county where the old coins were discovered.

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

The coins are an interesting mix of old and new with some being dated to the period of the Roman Republic in 157 BC up to the reign of Emperor Nero between 54–68 AD. 

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

"The Hoard is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Worcestershire in the last 100 years," Museums Worcestershire, explained about the incredible discovery. 

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

The majority of the coins are denarii but a single Iron Age gold stater coin appears to be something minted for a local British tribe, the Dobunni, who lived in the area at the time.

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

According to Museums Worcestershire, the ancient coins were buried in a pot crafted in pottery kilns located at the foot of Malvern Hills, which was very close to a Roman fort. 

Photo Credit: Wiki Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 / Edited By The Daily Digest

The coins are believed to have been brought to Britain by the Roman army since their value represented a considerable amount of money at the time the coins were buried. 

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

One theory put forth to explain the coin hoard suggests that they were the savings of a wealthy farmer who earned them supplying the Roman army with grain and livestock. 

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

The coin hoard was assembled and buried at a time when Worcestershire and Malvern Hills lay “right at the edge of an expanding Empire”, Museums Worcestershire noted. 

Photo Credit: Wiki Commons, By David Martyn Hunt, CC BY 2.0

Research into the Worcestershire Conquest Hoard has been led by British Archeologist Murray Andrews, who noted they were buried no more than a decade after the Claudian invasion of Britain in 43 AD. 

Photo Credit: Wiki CommonsBy Unknown Artist, Jastrow, Public Domain

“It’s a remarkable discovery, and sheds important new light on the Roman Conquest – a time of conflict and change at the beginnings of British history,” Andrews was quoted as saying by London College University (UCL). 

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

In 2024, the Worcestershire Conquest Hoard was declared a treasure hoard, meaning it could Museums Worcestershire was hoping to acquire the coins, which had been unofficially valued at a price of about £100,000 ($180,000). 

Photo Credit: Facebook @worcestercityartgalleryandmuseum

The Worcestershire Conquest Hoard went on display to the public for the first time since its discovery in January 2025. In March 2025, the treasure hoard will head to the British Museum where it will get its valuation will be officially determined according to BBC News.

Never miss a story! Click here to follow The Daily Digest.