Finds Declared 'Treasure'

THREE sets of finds from the Saxon, Roman and Iron Age eras were declared treasure at an inquest in Lynn on Thursday.

The inquest heard Norwich Castle Museum had already expressed an interest in the incomplete silver Roman ring found by metal detectorist Michael Coggles, of Lynn Road, Swaffham, in a field in Pentney last June.

The hearing was told the British Museum had confirmed the find qualified as treasure on account of its age and metal content. Museums have first refusal on treasure and the finder may receive a reward.

Four Iron Age torc wires and a ninth century Saxon silver-hooked tag fragment found in land near Bawsey by fellow metal detectorist Stephen Brown, of Wormegay, were also declared treasure.

The inquest heard the torc wires made of electrum – an alloy of gold and silver – and traces of other metals, were similar to others found in 1989 and 1996.

(King's Lynn Today - 01 March 2007)