Metal detecting is a hobby that combines the thrill of treasure hunting with a deep appreciation for history. Every outing holds the potential for an extraordinary discovery, and on one bright spring morning, that potential became a reality. This is the story of how I unearthed my biggest hammered silver coin to date – a Charles I silver shilling from 1645.
The day began like many others, with a short drive to one of my favorite permissions – a field nestled between a medieval moated manor house and an old church. This location had already yielded an Edward I hammered silver penny, hinting at the rich history buried beneath the soil. On this particular day, I set out to explore an area of the field I had barely touched before.
Time was limited, but the proximity of the site – less than 15 minutes from home – allowed for flexibility in my detecting schedule. As always, I parked in the farmyard and unloaded my equipment from the car boot. My setup is minimalist: trousers with ample pockets, a digging tool attached to one side of my belt, and a pinpointer on the other. This arrangement, while practical, often results in my trousers gradually sliding down throughout the day, weighed down by the accumulation of finds – mostly junk, as is the nature of the hobby.
With my gear ready, I embarked on the short walk to the chosen field. The day was gloriously sunny, making the task of methodically sweeping the detector back and forth across the width of the field a pleasant one, despite the scarcity of promising signals.
Metal Detecting Techniques: Systematic Searching in Historical Farmland
When metal detecting in fields with historical significance, it’s crucial to adopt a systematic approach. On this day, I decided to traverse the field width-wise, moving from side to side in a grid pattern. This method ensures thorough coverage and increases the chances of making significant finds.
The field was bordered by a hedge on one side and a stream running alongside another hedge on the opposite side. The previous week, sheep had occupied the area, confined by a temporary electric fence. However, on this day, the field was empty, and the fence had been deactivated, allowing for unimpeded detecting.
As I continued my methodical sweep, the finds were initially disappointing – unidentifiable junk and small pieces of lead dominated. An interesting, albeit somber, discovery was the leg ring from a racing pigeon, likely the victim of one of the many hawks that patrol the skies in this area. These finds, while not historically significant, serve as reminders of the layers of human and animal activity that have shaped the landscape over time.
Despite the slow start, persistence is key in metal detecting. Each signal, no matter how unpromising it may seem, deserves investigation. It’s often when expectations are lowest that the most remarkable discoveries are made.
Unearthing History: The Moment of Discovery of a 17th Century Silver Shilling
After hours of patient searching, a promising signal caught my attention. Following standard metal detecting practice, I carefully removed a plug of turf and scanned both the hole and the removed soil with my detector. The signal remained in the hole, prompting me to employ my pinpointer for more precise localization.
Just a couple of centimeters deeper, I gently teased apart the soil and lifted out what we in the detecting community often refer to as a ‘coin ball’ – a clump of soil with the target object hidden within. As I carefully broke apart this earthy cocoon with my fingers, I was stunned to see the largest silver hammered coin I had ever found resting in my palm.
The coin was bent and somewhat worn, but these imperfections did nothing to diminish the excitement of the moment. Time seemed to stand still as I stared at this piece of history, marveling at its survival through centuries buried in the Cheshire soil. After taking a moment to fully absorb the significance of the find, I began to document it, taking several photographs in situ.
Despite the coin’s condition, certain details were immediately apparent. The portrait on the coin was clearly that of Charles I, and the Roman numerals ‘XII’ beside the bust indicated that this was a shilling. However, the full story of this coin would require further research and expert input.
Identifying and Dating a Charles I Silver Shilling: Insights from Numismatic Experts
After carefully searching the immediate area for any associated finds, I headed home, eager to uncover more details about this remarkable coin. The process of identifying and dating hammered coins requires a combination of careful cleaning, detailed examination, and often, consultation with experts.
At home, I gently cleaned the dry mud from the coin, taking care not to cause any damage to its delicate surface. With the details more clearly visible, I took additional photographs and shared them on several specialized Facebook groups dedicated to coin collecting and metal detecting finds.
The response from the numismatic community was swift and enlightening. A group specializing in hammered coins provided a detailed identification: the coin was classified as a Spink 2800, Sharp G2/2. The ‘Eye’ privy mark visible on the coin dates it specifically to the period between 12 May 1645 and 10 November 1645. This level of precision in dating a coin over 375 years old is truly remarkable, showcasing the depth of knowledge in the numismatic field.
Furthermore, the experts identified that this coin was minted at the Tower of London under Parliamentary authority. This historical context adds another layer of fascination to the find, placing it within the tumultuous period of the English Civil War.
The Historical Significance of a Civil War Era Coin in Metal Detecting
The discovery of this Charles I silver shilling is significant not just for its age, but for the historical period it represents. The year 1645 was a crucial time in the English Civil War, with major battles like Naseby reshaping the political landscape of the country. This coin would have been in circulation during these momentous events, possibly passing through the hands of soldiers, merchants, or ordinary citizens caught up in the conflict.
While the coin shows signs of wear and has been bent, these imperfections tell a story of their own. They speak to the coin’s journey through time, from its minting in London to its loss in a Cheshire field, where it lay undisturbed for centuries. The bent shape could be the result of deliberate damage, a common practice during times of political upheaval, or simply the consequence of its long burial.
For a metal detectorist, finds like this are the ultimate reward. They provide a tangible connection to history, allowing us to literally hold a piece of the past in our hands. The thrill of being the first person to touch this coin in hundreds of years is a powerful reminder of why we pursue this hobby.
This Charles I shilling serves as a time capsule, a silent witness to a pivotal period in English history. Its discovery not only adds to my personal collection but contributes to our understanding of coin distribution and usage in 17th century England. It’s a prime example of how metal detecting, when practiced responsibly and in conjunction with proper recording and expert analysis, can make valuable contributions to archaeological and historical knowledge.
As I reflect on this remarkable find, I’m reminded of the endless possibilities that lie beneath our feet. Every signal from the detector could be the prelude to another amazing discovery, driving us to continue our careful, systematic searches across fields and beaches. This Charles I silver shilling may be my biggest hammered coin find to date, but the excitement of what might be unearthed next time I head out with my detector remains as strong as ever
