A thrilling discovery made by a metal detectorist, Steve Dean, has unearthed a remarkable 1,800-year-old Roman coin hoard in a UK farmer's field. Dean, alongside his friends Glenn Church and Ed Denovan, stumbled upon this treasure trove while metal detecting in a field near Maidstone, Kent. The find is particularly significant as it represents Dean's 'bucket list' moment after over two decades of dedication to the hobby. The hoard consists of approximately 400 coins, believed to be around 1,800 years old, and is currently under the careful examination of specialists at the British Museum. This discovery highlights the Romans' presence in the area 1,800 years ago and the potential significance of the location. The friends made their discovery in a farmer's field, but they cannot disclose the exact location to protect against 'nighthawkers' - unauthorized detectorists seeking to profit from their finds. The coins were found scattered across the field, with a substantial quantity discovered in a damaged pot approximately 14 inches beneath the surface. The hoard is believed to have been scattered when the pot was shattered during field ploughing, distributing the coins across the area. Dean, a grandfather of eight and a former police officer, expressed his excitement, stating that it was a 'bucket list' find for most detectorists. The trio's discovery has sparked curiosity and excitement in the archaeological community, and it will be fascinating to see the value and historical significance of the coins determined by the British Museum.
