Ancient gold of the Iceni found in Suffolk

A morning’s metal detecting back in 2008 lead to the discovery of 840 Iron Age gold coins - the largest hoard of its type found in Britain in over 150 years. Now Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service has until the end of June to raise £300,000 to save this outstanding archaeological treasure for the nation and people of Suffolk.

The coins were buried just over 2000 years ago by members of the Iceni tribe whose kingdom covered Norfolk, north Suffolk and parts of Cambridgeshire.  They offer an unparalleled glimpse into life on the eve of the Roman invasion and are part of the origins and long history of Suffolk communities.

Whilst the museum gets down to the business of fundraising people will be able to have a sneak preview of 200 of the coins at Ipswich Museum from May 3rd until June 10th. The coins officially belong to the Crown until the museum has raised the money to buy them and they are on display with special permission from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.