Lost Treasure Unearthed: 15th-Century Coin Hoard Discovered in Scottish Border Land
For centuries, it lay hidden beneath the Scottish soil—a secret stash of gold and silver coins lost to time. But thanks to a lucky discovery by two metal detectorists, this 15th-century treasure has finally come to light!
A stunning cache of 15th-century coins has been unearthed in the Scottish Border lands by a pair of metal detectorists, marking one of the most significant discoveries of its kind in recent years. Although the discovery was made in November 2024, it was not announced until February 19, 2025.
Keith Young and Lisa Stephenson made the find near Cappercleuch, a settlement at St. Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland, in the historic county of Selkirkshire. The pair uncovered a total of 30 gold and silver coins. Among them were Scottish gold demys and half-demys from the reigns of James I and II, as well as English silver groats minted under Kings Henry V and Edward IV. Experts believe the hoard was likely buried in the early to mid-1460s, a period of extreme political and military upheaval.
After finding the coins, the duo notified the Treasure Trove Unit, which evaluates all archaeological discoveries in Scotland. The unit will then forward the case to the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel, an independent body responsible for determining the coins' monetary value, which will be awarded to the finders. The panel will determine the fate of the cache, with a museum potentially acquiring the collection for public display.
Young described the discovery as "a once-in-a-lifetime find" and recalled the moment they realized the significance of their excavation. "As soon as I saw the glint of gold, I knew we had found something special," he said. "It’s an incredible feeling to uncover history like this." Following the initial discovery, archaeologists were called in to conduct a formal excavation, leading to the unearthing of five additional coins.
Dr. Natasha Ferguson, an expert in Scottish medieval history, emphasized the importance of the find. "This hoard provides a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s economic landscape during the 15th century. The mixture of Scottish and English coinage reflects the complex trade networks and political alliances of the time."
The discovery has generated considerable excitement among historians and numismatists, with some speculating on the circumstances that led to the hoard’s burial. Given the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses, ongoing conflicts between Scotland and England, and the numerous chaotic, often violent power transitions in Scotland, the coins may have been hidden for safekeeping and never retrieved.
As the valuation process unfolds, Young and Stephenson remain thrilled by their role in unearthing a piece of Scottish history. "It’s not about the money for us," Young added. "The real reward is knowing we’ve contributed to our understanding of the past."
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Kele Johnson is the Editor of Kovels Antique Trader magazine and the Digital Content Editor of Active Interest Media's Collectibles Group. Her captivation with collectibles began at a young age while dusting her mother’s McCoy pottery collection. She admits to a fondness for mid-century ceramics, uranium glass, and ancient coin hoards. Kele has a degree in archaeology and has been researching, writing, and editing in the collectibles field for many years. Reach her at kelejohnson@aimmedia.com.
