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Monday, 31st March 2008 (1853 views)

History books may have to be rewritten following the discovery of gold coins and other artefacts by two amateur treasure hunters in the UK, according to reports.

According to Thisislincolnshire.co.uk, four gold coins and a gold pellet were discovered by metal detector enthusiasts Geoffrey Rippon and Paul Virr near the Lincolnshire village of Saxilby in October last year.

They appear to be have been influenced by Roman coinage and design, but date back to 50BC - around 100 years before they are thought to have invaded Britain.

Among the coins' Mediterranean design influences are an abstract image of a horse on the reverse. They are thought to have been copied from the coinage of Philip II of Macedon - who was the father of Alexander the Great - and are among the first type of coin ever used in the UK.

Earlier in March, an inquest declared the gold haul a "treasure trove" and staff from both a Lincolnshire museum and the British Museum in London are now trying to purchase the items for display.

The Romans occupied much of Britain between 43AD to 410AD, establishing a number of settlements that went on to became towns and cities such as London, Manchester, Canterbury and York.

 

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