Detectorist Unearths Wales' Largest Roman Coin Hoard of 15,000 Coins

David Moss, a metal detectorist from Cheshire, has uncovered what could be the largest Roman coin hoard ever found in Wales, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 coins buried in two clay pots in a virtually untouched field in North Wales. The hoard, dating back nearly 2,000 years and weighing over 60 kilograms, was carefully excavated over six hours with the assistance of his friend Ian Nicholson and is now under expert analysis at the National Museum Cardiff, where it is expected to be declared treasure under UK law. Moss, who has been metal detecting for nearly a decade, previously found a smaller Roman hoard of about 3,000 coins in the same area in 2018, fueling his belief that more treasure remained. The extraordinary find prompted Moss to guard the coins closely, even sleeping with them in his car for three days to prevent theft before delivering them to the museum. Experts believe this discovery could surpass previous large finds in Wales, including hoards from Sully and Chepstow, and could bring financial reward to Moss and the landowner under the Treasure Act. The discovery highlights the rich historical significance of the region, spanning eras from druids to Romans, and underscores the dedication and persistence of amateur detectorists in uncovering Britain's ancient past.