Rare Roman Coin & Other Historic Items Found in Tern Hill
An array of incredible finds have been made by metal detectorists in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton in Shropshire. An incredible array of history was unearthed during the two Noble Pursuits events in February. While several Roman coins were discovered, the stand out find was a rare silver denarius featuring emperor Otho. Many other exciting items were also unearthed, including a number of Medieval coins and Saxon bridle workings.
Tern Hill History
An Area Ripe for Discovery
Noble Pursuits Metal Detecting recently organized two events in Tern Hill, located near Market Drayton in Shropshire. Despite the area’s limited surviving history, past discoveries suggest it was once a significant historical site. Finds from our previous metal detecting events reveal signs of ancient habitation, including Bronze Age gold and tools, Celtic gold, and numerous Roman and Medieval artifacts. Our recent digs have unearthed an exciting Roman coin, minted under the short lived ‘Emperor Otho‘.
Geographic Importance
The significance of this area, while not fully understood, is hinted at by several clues. The names ‘Longford’ and ‘Lostford’ suggest crossings over the river, which would have been crucial before bridges were common. Historical records describe the Tern River as a fast-flowing body of water, with one source suggesting the name Tern means “Raging Torrent.” So crossing points would have been of high importance to the ancient inhabitants of Shropshire.
Additionally, Tern Hill is situated at the crossroads of two ancient roads, likely of Roman origin, the A41 and the A53. This strategic location would have been perfect for settlement and trade during the Roman era. Evidence of widespread Medieval settlement is more easily verified, with visible ridge and furrow patterns in the fields and earthworks from several moated manor sites nearby.
Tern Hill’s elevation and the commanding view it offers of the Wrekin, an important hillfort, may also point to its significance, either for sacred purposes or defence. The hill’s prominence in the landscape, coupled with the presence of a natural spring, underscores its potential importance. It could have provided both strategic defence and essential access to clean water for any ancient inhabitants.
Rare Roman Otho Coin
An Unlikely Discovery
Over the week, we found several Roman coins, including silver denarii of Vespasian and Antonius Pius, along with several unidentified bronze coins. The standout discovery was a rare Roman denarius from Emperor Otho’s reign. While Roman coins are common in Shropshire, Otho coins are exceptionally rare. Emperor Otho’s reign lasted just three months, from January 15 to April 16, 69 AD. The discoverer, Sarah, had never found an identifiable Roman coin before. Understandably, she was thrilled, even before realizing her find’s significance.
Emperor Otho
Marcus Salvius Otho, born into a senatorial family in 32 AD, rose to emperor in 69 AD during the “Year of the Four Emperors.” Initially Nero’s friend and supporter, Otho later opposed him with Galba. Unhappy with Galba’s rule, Otho took power through a quick coup but only ruled for three months. His reign ended with his defeat by Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum. To prevent more bloodshed, Otho took his own life. His short rule highlighted the era’s political instability and ambition.
A Collectors Gem
Otho was part of the 12 Caesars, the first 12 emperors of the Roman Empire, starting with Julius Caesar. Collecting a coin from each Caesar is a common goal among Roman coin collectors. Because of their rarity, Otho’s coins are especially sought after. Spink coins valued this particular coin at about £300, but Sarah plans to keep it as a highlight of her collection.
Hammered Coins Galore
Medieval Activity
Hammered coins, the main currency in England during the Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart periods, are widespread across the UK. At most metal detecting events, a few surface, but often worn or damaged. It’s always exciting when we find a good number, especially in excellent condition. While our dig on Saturday yielded only one, Wednesday’s dig more than made up for it with at least 14 found, most in great shape. The coins our members recovered spanned the whole Medieval period, dating from the 1100s to the end of the Stuarts. This suggests extensive local activity throughout the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods.
Beautiful Silver Coins
Among them, a Charles I penny stood out with a detailed portrait of the king. Another penny from his reign was found, though holed, possibly to remove it from circulation or as a symbol of loyalty during the civil war. We also discovered two Elizabeth I sixpences and several coins from Edward I to Edward III’s time. While pennies from these eras are common, one member unearthed a ‘treaty period’ groat. These coins were minted in Calais during an alliance with France, and a rarer discovery.
The 'Cut-Half'
The oldest was a Henry II “Tealby” halfpenny, minted between 1158-1161 AD. Known for poor quality control, most of these coins were made off-centre with weak details. At that time, smaller denominations weren’t minted, so coins were often cut to create smaller change. This ‘cut-half’ was valued as half a penny, though ‘cut quarters’ were also made. The royal mints did this officially, and they selected the best coins for even cutting and weight. This may explain this example’s exceptional quality. Counterfeiting was a widespread issue at the time. Criminals would trim the edges of coins and melt the silver down, increasing their profits. Therefore unauthorized cutting of coins would be considered treason, punishable by death.
Saxon Horse Riding
Rare Artifacts
Saxon finds in Shropshire are rare, and therefore highly sought after by local metal detectorists. Making it extra-thrilling when we uncover items from this era. A recent Midweek dig unearthed a small, broken artifact, tentatively identified as part of a Saxon bridle strap. This identification was later confirmed by club members.
Although Saturday’s event was quieter, it yielded some excellent discoveries, including a complete and very well-preserved example of another Saxon bridle strap. Finding these complete is quite rare, especially since most of these items were lost due to breakage. Making its survival in such good condition all the more impressive.
Just Passing Through?
These artifacts were used to join leather straps on horse harnesses. The scarcity of regular Saxon finds near Tern Hill suggests limited settlement during this era. However, items like these indicate that people passed through or hunted in the area. The Domesday Book records from 1086 show that local settlements were small, indicating a similar lack of inhabitants in earlier Saxon eras. The Midlands was a frontier region during the later Saxon period, caught between the more established Anglo-Saxon south and Viking north. This lack of large settlements and the protection they offered may explain the sparse population in this area during this turbulent period in English history.
Later Interesting Finds
Misleading Gold
This weeks digs also yielded some fascinating finds from more recent periods of history. I was very excited to see the ring in the picture shown to me. Initially believing it dated from the 1500s to 1600s based on its style and markings, potentially qualifying as treasure. However, the ring’s material puzzled me; it seemed to be low-grade gold or gilt-silver. Low grade gold would be very unusual for jewellery from that period, which typically used high-grade gold. It also seemed to be without visible wear if it were plated. A later cleaning by the finder clarified things: the ring was 9ct gold and actually hallmarked to 1975. It is rather unusual for jewellery of this period, so must have been made to imitate ancient craftsmanship.
Victorian Gothic
On top of the ancient coins found, a Victorian ‘gothic florin’ stood out as one of the day’s best finds. These coins, the UK’s first two shilling pieces, were part of an early move towards decimalization, valued at 1/10 of a pound. Breaking tradition, the designer William Wyon chose to omit “D G” from the coin’s inscription. This stands for “Dei Gratia” or “By the Grace of God”), earning it the nickname ‘The Godless Florin’. This issue was also unusual as the first coins in 200 years to feature a crowned monarch. This particular coin dates to 1860 and is in remarkably good condition, making it highly prized by collectors.
Military Silver
A silver WW1 wound badge was also unearthed. Issued to servicemen who were unable to serve due to wounds or illness, these badges protected them from being given a white feather, a symbol of cowardice. The numbered badge led us to its original owner, Lance Corporal Thomas Hill of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
Our Events
Noble Pursuits regularly organizes events throughout Shropshire. You can learn more about these events in our ‘Events‘ section. Landowners interested in renting out their fields, and discovering the history they hold, can find information on collaborating with us in the ‘Landowners & Farmers‘ section.
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss anything at all then please get in touch with the team