Autumn 2024Remarkable 2000-year-old Roman coins found in Littleborough field will stay in the borough

A rare collection of Roman coins discovered in a field in Littleborough has been acquired for Touchstone’s Rochdale borough cultural heritage collection.

The remarkable coins, unearthed in 2020 by two metal detectorists, were buried just seven inches below the surface. A total of 376 coins were discovered, dating back nearly 2,000 years, spanning over 120 years of Roman history, and serves as a testament to the presence of Roman activity in the area.

Thanks to generous support from Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Pennines Township, Rochdale Borough Council, the hoard will remain in the local area. It has been acquired for Touchstone’s Rochdale borough cultural heritage collection.

While the coins are a significant part of local history, highlighting the continuous changes in Roman rule, their discovery raises more questions than answers. Historians, archaeologists, and the public are left to ponder the mystery behind their burial in Littleborough.

When the coins go on display, these intriguing questions will invite visitors to use their imaginations to fill in the blanks and piece together the story of the hoard.

Leanne Manfredi, National Programmes Lead, Victoria and Albert Museum said: “The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales.

“We are delighted that this Roman coin hoard has been acquired by Rochdale Arts and Heritage Service via the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme. It will benefit audiences for years to come.”