Metal detectorist unearths ‘exceptionally rare’ 2,000-year-old Celtic coin

A metal detectorist says he did a “jig of joy” after turning up an “exceptionally rare” 2,000-year-old Celtic coin worth thousands of pounds.

Grandfather Mike Taylor couldn’t contain his excitement after finding the rose gold stater while searching farmland in Bishton, near Gwent, South Wales.

After getting an “iffy” signal from his detector, he dug down four inches before uncovering the coin, struck during the reign of Antedios, an Iceni ruler, from 20-47AD.

The incredibly detailed coin, thought to be worth £4,000, depicts a triple-tailed horse alongside a cross, crescent, six-spoked wheel and pellets.

It bears the tree emblem of the Dobunni, an Iron Age tribe living in Britain prior to the Roman conquest.

The name of Antedios is inscribed in full with a Greek letter, which is unusual as abbreviations were more common.

Mike, 63, a storeman from Newport, who found the coin in January while out detecting with his brother Tony, said: “I was detecting on farmland where my brother and I have a permission.

‘Best thing I’ve ever found’

“It was a wet, muddy day and the field had been recently plowed. I got an iffy signal but decided to investigate and after digging down four inches, there it was.

“I got down on my knees in the mud and picked up the coin. I studied it and was absolutely amazed and dumbfounded.

“I did a jig of joy and put it in my brother’s hand and I can’t repeat what he said! I’ve been detecting for 14 years and it is the best thing I’ve ever found.

“I’m going to split the proceeds with the landowner and my brother so whatever is left I’ll spend on a holiday.”

The “extremely fine” stater, which is less than an inch in diameter, is going under the hammer at Timeline Auctions, of Harwich, Essex.

A Timeline Auctions spokesperson said: “This variant is rare because it features the complete name of the ruler, unlike most coins where part of the name is missing.

“Additionally, the ruler’s name is inscribed with the Greek letter Θ, whereas it is usually written with the letter ‘D’. It is a well-centered example with sharp details.

“Only one other example with this lettering is recorded, and our example also includes three extra pellets behind the tail. “This makes it an exceptionally rare and beautiful coin in lustrous rose gold.”

Antedios remained neutral during the Roman invasion of 43AD and was made a client of Rome.

The sale takes place on September 3.