August 2024 – The metal detecting community is abuzz with excitement following a remarkable discovery in north Norfolk. A fellow detectorist has unearthed a piece of medieval history that bridges the gap between numismatics and jewelry: a 13th-century French silver coin transformed into a gilded brooch.
This exceptional find, made in a rural area south of Cromer, showcases the potential for detectorists to uncover artifacts that provide unique insights into historical fashion and international connections. The coin-brooch features the bearded face of Enguerrand of Crequi, Bishop of Cambrai from 1273 to 1293, offering a tangible link to medieval French ecclesiastical power.
Coin expert Adrian Marsden’s insights highlight the historical context that makes this discovery so thrilling for the detecting community. He explains that the practice of turning French coins into brooches was fashionable in England during this period due to the lack of comparably sized native coins. This information adds an extra layer of excitement for detectorists, as it demonstrates how finds can reflect not just local history, but international trends and economic realities of the time.
The coin’s excellent condition, showing little sign of wear, suggests it was transformed into a brooch shortly after minting. This quick repurposing offers detectorists a glimpse into the rapid spread of fashion and the movement of goods in medieval times.
For the detecting community, the rarity of this find is particularly noteworthy. While coin-brooches made from the French gros tournois are more common, this example featuring a bishop’s portrait is highly unusual. Marsden points out that such a depiction would have been unthinkable on English coins of the period, where only the king’s head would appear. This cultural difference adds an intriguing dimension to the find, potentially inspiring detectorists to research more about the historical context of their discoveries.
The value of the original coin – equivalent to two or three days’ wages – underscores the potential worth of detectorists’ finds. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with the hobby, particularly in properly reporting significant discoveries.
As with all potential treasure finds, this coin-brooch has been reported and will be subject to a coroner’s inquest. The interest shown by Norwich Castle Museum in acquiring the piece highlights the important role detectorists play in preserving and expanding our understanding of history.
This discovery serves as an inspiration to the detecting community, demonstrating that even well-searched areas can still yield exceptional finds. It encourages detectorists to keep searching, to educate themselves about international connections in history, and to always be prepared for the unexpected.
