Rights Holder: Somerset County Council
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Unique ID: SOM-FBA455
Object type certainty: Certain
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status: Published
Treasure case 2011 T342: Disclaimed, returned to finder
Description: A small hoard consisting of four coins: two sixpences of Elizabeth I, a shilling and a Civil War issue groat of Charles I found together at Ston Easton, Somerset.
1. A silver sixpence of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), initial mark possibly Portcullis, date on coin unclear, possibly 1566, Tower mint, North 1997. There is a small semicircular hole through the coin just off centre. There are various small dents to either side of the hole and it may be deliberate. The size and thickness of the coin at this point suggests it is not post-depositional damage.
OBV: Crowned bust facing left, rose behind head. Inscr: .ELIZ[ABE]T[H] D G [ANG FR] ET HIB [RE]GI[NA]
Initial mark: possibly portcullis
REV: Square topped royal shield over long cross fourchee [with date above shield] Inscr: POSVI/ DEV AD/[IVTO]RE/M MEV
Initial mark: possibly portcullis
Die axis: 11 o'clock
Condition: very worn
Diameter: 22.9mm, Thickness: 0.4mm, Weight: 1.24g
2. A silver sixpence of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), initial mark unclear, date on coin unclear, 1582-1602, Tower mint, North 2015. There is a small hole through the coin near the rim at 11 o'clock on the obverse and 1 o'clock on the reverse. The hole is in the shape of a line with the centre expanded into a circle and appears deliberate.
OBV: Illegible Inscr: [ELIZAB] D G [ANG FR [ET HIB REG]INA
Initial mark: Unclear
REV: Square topped royal shield over long cross fourchee [with date above shield] Inscr: [P]OS[VI/] DEV [AD/IVT]OR[E/M MEV]
Initial mark: Unclear
Die axis: 1 o'clock
Condition: very worn
Diameter: 22.9mm, Thickness: 0.3mm, Weight: 1.30g
3. A silver shilling of Charles I (1625-1649), Group F, Tower mint, initial mark triangle, 1639-40, double struck, North 2231.
OBV: Crowned bust facing left, XII behind head. Inscr: :CAROLVS: D:G: MAG: BRI: FRA: ET: HI: REX
Initial mark: Triangle
REV: Square topped Royal shield over short cross moline Inscr: ..CHRISTO. [AV]SPICE . R[E]GNO:
Initial mark: Triangle
Die axis: 5
Condition:fine
Diameter: 30.7mm, Thickness: 0.9mm, Weight: 5.92g
4. A silver fourpence (groat) of Charles I (1625-1649), Aberystwyth Mint, 1638-42, North 2339.
OBV: Crowned bust facing left, single arched crown, rounded lace collar, armour visible on shoulder, IIII behind head, and plume in front. Inscr: :CAROLVS. D.G. M: BR: F: ET: HI: REX
Initial mark: Book
REV: Oval garnished Royal shield with plume with coronet and bands above Inscr: ..CHRISTO. AVSP[ICE] . REGNO.
Initial mark: Book
Die axis: 5
Condition: fine
Diameter: 22.2mm, Thickness: 0.5mm, Weight: 1.77g
Discussion: These coins were found together. The coins of Elizabeth are very worn, suggesting they had been in circulation for some time when deposited. Coins of Elizabeth did continue in circulation until the late 17th century and so could be contemporary with the Charles I coins. It is interesting to note that both have small modifications however modified coins are found in other hoards of this period suggesting they retained a monetary function. As official English silver coins, they will have been made to the traditional sterling standard, 92.5% fine metal. The latest coins are dated 1639-1642 and it is probably the hoard was deposited relatively soon after this date, perhaps in relation to Civil War disruptions.
Consequently, in terms of age, association and as the coins contains a minimum of 10% precious metal they qualify as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Laura Burnett, Somerset FLO, September 2011.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2011T342
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1642
Date to: Circa AD 1642
Quantity: 4
Date(s) of discovery: Tuesday 17th May 2011
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Other reference: SCC reciept 020844
Treasure case number: 2011T342
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.