Mydlle Hoard, Shropshire

On the 4th September 2005 during a metal detecting rally 5 coins were reported as treasure. The coins in question were all gold doblas of Peter or Pedro I, King of Castile or as he was referred to ‘Peter the Cruel’. Almost two years later in September 2007 a detectorist called Tom Wallace called back to the site with a digger and removed 2 feet of earth. This resulted in a further 4 gold coins from that period being found.

All the coins of the initial discovery in 2005 were struck at the Seville mint. This was the main mint of Castile. The coins were all reported to be in good condition, with slight wear and tear. The weights were consistent. It appears from initial observation that the same applies to the further 4 coins found.

Gold coins of the 14th Century are not frequent finds. It is recorded that foreign gold coins were regularly encountered in the mid 14th century with the Florentine Florin and French gold coins the most widely used.

It is believed that the coins were deposited together in the 1360’s and 1370’s. This criteria made them treasure according to the Treasure Act. The further four coins have now been handed over for identification at the British Museum and have been declared with the local coroner. It is likely too that these will also be declared treasure.