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| West Cumbrian people are being offered the chance to “own” part of a treasure trove [Credit: Times and Star] |
The coins need to be restored, conserved and displayed in a climate-controlled environment to ensure they do not deteriorate. The cost of that would amount to £50 per coin.
Jane Laskey, museum curator, said the coins were worth more than £2,500 to the museum.
She added: “They are priceless. They are from the mid-third century.”
She said the hoard was already raising questions.
Because of the range of age of the coins and where they were minted, experts are starting to wonder if this was someone’s life savings, as was first thought, or whether it was a ritual burial of the coins.
She said it may be impossible to conserve them all but West Cumbrian people are being asked to donate to the conservation fund.
For £50 they can also sponsor a coin. A list of the sponsors will be displayed with the coins.
Meanwhile finder Mr Murray said: “A farmer friend had discovered rocks in a field he wanted to plough and didn’t want to damage his machinery. I went to help him clear the rocks.
“I took my metal detector with me just in case but didn’t detect anything at first.
“I was walking away and the metal detector started making a faint noise. I started digging, and the more I dug the louder it got.”
He then informed the Senhouse Roman Museum.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a coin or make a donation can do so by visiting the museum or by calling 01900 816168.
Source: Times and Star [February 09, 2012]