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Archeologists found over 300 silver coins dating back to the 11th century.
The hoard has been nicknamed “The Pasty” because the cloth and lead that were carefully wrapped around the coins resemble a Cornish pasty.
Experts believe the owner of the stash buried their wealth for safekeeping after Edward the Confessor’s coronation.
Construction projects can lead to incredible archaeological discoveries, and the excavation site Sizewell C has proved to be quite fruitful. Located on the coast of Suffolk, England, the area is a developing nuclear power site. Sizewell C’s archaeology partner, Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA), is working hard to preserve the history of the area. Previously, the team unearthed treasures that included World War II artifacts and an Iron Age axel.
And the site just keeps on giving. Just this past January, archaeologists found a hoard of 11th-century coins in near-perfect condition. The 321 silver coins were carefully wrapped in cloth and lead in a way that resembled a Cornish pasty—which, consequently, earned the find its nickname.
“The Pasty, as it was immediately and affectionately named for obvious reasons, was a true privilege to find,” Andrew Pegg, OCA archaeologist and discoverer of the coins, said in a statement.
Experts believe that the hoard was once a savings pot of a local figure. Though the hoard had many coins—including some rare ones—from across the region, the owner was likely of middling status. At the time, the entire stash would have been approximately equal in value to a small herd of cattle, according to researchers.
The coins in the bundle were minted between 1036 and 1044, dating back to the reigns of Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor. This particular time was one of uncertainty—wealthier individuals closely associated with the previous ruler were often exiled, or (after Edward the Confessor’s coronation) had their belongings confiscated.
The owner likely buried their stash for safekeeping, but failed to return to retrieve it. Researchers suggest that the owner may have died before digging up the hoard, or was simply unable to locate it again (on second thought, maybe the ground isn’t the safest piggy bank).
Perhaps even better than “The Pasty” hoard itself is the story behind its discovery. Pegg discovered the hoard only 9 months into his career—the excavations at Sizewell C were the first archaeological project he had ever worked on. Even better, Pegg grew up in Leiston, Suffolk, so the find was practically in his backyard.
“I was shaking when I first unearthed it, seeing a single coin edge peeking at me,” Pegg said. “A perfect archaeological time capsule. The information we are learning from it is stunning and I’m so proud to have added to the history of my own little part of Suffolk.”
Needless to say, the discovery at Sizewell C sheds light on the anxieties of the time, and the hoard will serve as a valuable piece of history for the public to learn from.
“This project provides a rare and fascinating glimpse into Suffolk’s rich history, deepening our understanding of this part of Britain,” Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C said. “In partnership with Oxford Cotswold Archaeology, we plan to make these discoveries as accessible to the public as possible.”
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