A RARE coin dating back to before the Domesday Book has "filled a gap" in Gloucester's history after being discovered near the city.
According to experts, the find of a penny from the rule of William the Conqueror proves the Gloucester Mint was active during a part of history previously unexplored.
Kurt Adams, finds liaison officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, based at Shire Hall, said it was an exciting development.
He said: "It's a unique find.
"During the rule of William I they were re-minting these coins regularly, every three to four years, and this particular coin dates from the period between 1077 and 1080.
"We haven't got any record of ever finding this coin before, and what this does mean is that there was a gap in the history, but now we have got proof that the Gloucester Mint was operating throughout the rule of William I."
The coin was found in an area in the north of the city by Maureen Jones, a member of the Taynton Metal Detecting Club.
David Hutton, from the club, described it as an "important" and "unique" find.
He said: "It is very exciting."
William I, or "William the Conqueror", was the first Norman King of England from 1066 until 1087.
He came to power after he led an invasion of England from his native France in 1066.
The crowned King of England, Harold II, was killed during the famous Battle of Hastings, where he became the first of only three monarchs to ever die on the battlefield.
Experts say the coin would have been "quite valuable" at the time when it was lost by its owner. It is due to be returned to Ms Jones.
Go to the Boscastle Coin Supplies Web site for all your coin collecting needs - Albums - Pages - Magnifiers and lots more
Source: http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Rare-coin-fills-gap-Gloucester-s-history/story-15254747-detail/story.html
According to experts, the find of a penny from the rule of William the Conqueror proves the Gloucester Mint was active during a part of history previously unexplored.
Kurt Adams, finds liaison officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, based at Shire Hall, said it was an exciting development.
He said: "It's a unique find.
"During the rule of William I they were re-minting these coins regularly, every three to four years, and this particular coin dates from the period between 1077 and 1080.
"We haven't got any record of ever finding this coin before, and what this does mean is that there was a gap in the history, but now we have got proof that the Gloucester Mint was operating throughout the rule of William I."
The coin was found in an area in the north of the city by Maureen Jones, a member of the Taynton Metal Detecting Club.
David Hutton, from the club, described it as an "important" and "unique" find.
He said: "It is very exciting."
William I, or "William the Conqueror", was the first Norman King of England from 1066 until 1087.
He came to power after he led an invasion of England from his native France in 1066.
The crowned King of England, Harold II, was killed during the famous Battle of Hastings, where he became the first of only three monarchs to ever die on the battlefield.
Experts say the coin would have been "quite valuable" at the time when it was lost by its owner. It is due to be returned to Ms Jones.
Go to the Boscastle Coin Supplies Web site for all your coin collecting needs - Albums - Pages - Magnifiers and lots more
Source: http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Rare-coin-fills-gap-Gloucester-s-history/story-15254747-detail/story.html
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