TREASURE hunters have discovered a rare 11th Century coin in Highnam that will now go on display at the city museum.
The silver penny from the time of William the Conqueror was struck in Gloucester in 1080 – and 900 years later was found by Maureen Jones, a member of Taynton metal detecting club.
William had strong connections with Gloucester, holding his Christmas Court here every year. The discovery plugs a historical gap and proves that the Gloucester Mint was kept operational through his reign.
The coin, which would have been quite valuable in its time, is the first of its kind to be found and provides proof of the operation of the Mint. It will now go on show as part of the exhibits at the City Museum and Art Gallery in Brunswick Road.
Council leader, Paul James, said: "We are a city with 2,000 years of history. This is a significant find of major historical importance and plugs an historical gap in local knowledge. It proves coins were being minted locally throughout the reign of William, something that we haven't been able to do until now."