An incredible discovery of 983-year-old coins was made at a nuclear power station site in the UK. The impressive haul, consisting of 321 mint-condition silver coins from the eleventh century, was found at the future location of the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk. The team from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, who were conducting excavations for EDF’s planned two-reactor nuclear power station, stumbled upon the treasure, which they have affectionately named ‘the pasty’ due to its resemblance to the iconic Cornish snack.
Archaeologist Andrew Pegg, who was responsible for the discovery of the bundle of coins, expressed his excitement at being part of such a significant find. Describing the moment he unearthed the coins, Pegg said, “The Pasty, as it was immediately and affectionately named for obvious reasons, was a true privilege to find. I was shaking when I first unearthed it, seeing a single coin edge peeking at me. A perfect archaeological time capsule.” The team speculates that the coins were buried by their owner after the coronation of Edward the Confessor.
The hoard of coins provides valuable insights into the historical context of the period, as noted by coin expert Alexander Bliss from OCA. Reflecting on the significance of the find, Bliss said, “To play a small part in bringing its story to life has been an honour and a privilege.” The discovery took place during excavations for EDF’s planned nuclear power station, which is expected to deliver 3.2 gigawatts of energy, sufficient to power approximately six million homes.
French energy company EDF is currently progressing with the development of the site following a subsidy scheme introduced by the Labour party last August, with a final financial decision anticipated within the year.
In summary, the unearthing of these ancient coins at the nuclear power station site in Suffolk has not only provided a fascinating glimpse into the past but has also added to the historical significance of the area. The discovery serves as a reminder of the rich heritage that lies beneath the ground we walk on and highlights the importance of archaeological excavations in uncovering hidden treasures from centuries ago.