A FOREST treasure-hunter who found a hoard of 16th century silver coins on his uncle's farm says he is "delighted" with a coroner's ruling that they are treasure trove.
The ruling by Gloucester coroner David Gibbons means that their finder, Mark Meakin of Alvington, and his farmer uncle Victor Reeks, of Stroat, could share up to £2,400 for the value of the find.
"I'm very pleased," said Mark, who works in a printing business. "I've had other finds before but nothing like this."
Mark uncovered the coins – all silver except one of gold – in his uncle's field last August. Dating between 1560-1642, they bear the heads of Charles 1, Elizabeth 1 and James 1.
After locating the hoard his brother-in-law David Knight helped him dig up all 119. It is thought that they might well have been hidden by somebody during the English Civil War, perhaps during the time that nearby Chepstow Castle was under siege and military forces were roaming the countryside to supply the front lines.
The uncertain times meant many people would have wanted to hide their money and expensive items.
Following the coroner's ruling at the inquest into the find, a panel at the British Museum will now decide on the amount the coins are worth.
It is understood that local museums have expressed an interest in being able to show the coins.
As for Mark, he'll be out again this weekend to see what else is hidden in local fields and woods.
•The permission of landowners is necessary before anyone can enter private land to use a metal detector.