A rare Iron Age coin bearing the name of Esunertos, a British ruler from around 40 BCE, is at risk of leaving the UK. The government has placed a temporary export bar on this historically significant artifact, discovered in Hampshire in 2023, to safeguard its contribution to the nation’s cultural heritage.
Preserving the Past: A Unique Coin Under Threat
The Iron Age coin, valued at £20,040, was found in the Test Valley, Hampshire, and is believed to have been minted between 40–30 BCE.
This tiny gold quarter stater bears the name “Esunertos,” a leader thought to have wielded power among the Belgae tribe in southern England, during the time of Julius Caesar.
His name, now known through this coin, provides crucial evidence of pre-Roman leadership in Britain.
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant emphasized the coin’s importance, stating,
“This Iron Age coin is a unique item from the time of Julius Caesar, providing fascinating insights into who ruled parts of England and the very foundations of our early history.”
“As a rare object from our distant past, I hope a suitable UK buyer can be found so it can teach us about this period in our history and be studied and enjoyed by the public for years to come.”
The Cultural and Historical Significance
The decision to place a temporary export bar on the coin follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.
The committee concluded that allowing this artifact to leave the country would be a significant loss, given its close connection to Britain’s history and its outstanding contribution to the study of archaeology, numismatics, and linguistics.
Numismatic and Archaeological Importance:
- The coin provides a rare glimpse into the political landscape of late Iron Age Britain, marking a crucial period just before the Roman conquest.
- Its inscriptions offer valuable information on the beliefs, symbols, and cultural practices of the time, shedding light on the transition from indigenous British cultures to Roman rule.
- The coin’s context, potentially part of a hoard, could reveal insights into Iron Age economic and ritual practices, including the significance of such items in local power dynamics and religious traditions.
The Race to Keep the Coin in the UK
The export bar is set to expire on 13 October 2024, giving UK institutions the opportunity to acquire the coin. Should a buyer come forward, they will have 15 business days to finalize the purchase at the recommended price. If successful, this acquisition will allow the coin to remain in the UK, where it can continue to inform and educate future generations.
Tim Pestell, a member of the Reviewing Committee, underscored the coin’s significance:
“The recovery of this tiny gold ‘quarter stater’ coin has provided archaeologists with a unique witness to the life of Esunertos, who lived c.40-30BC…”
“I earnestly hope that the deferral of this coin from being exported will allow a public institution to acquire and display this most special and nationally significant object.”
Iron Age Coin Overview |
Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Esunertos |
| Material | Gold |
| Size | 12.65 mm x 11.75 mm x 2.65 mm |
| Estimated Value | £20,040 |
| Discovery Location | Test Valley, Hampshire |
| Date of Discovery | March 2023 |
| Minted | 40–30 BCE |
A Call to Preserve National Heritage
The potential loss of this coin would not only impact academic research but also diminish the UK’s ability to preserve and interpret its rich pre-Roman history.
As the deadline approaches, the hope is that a UK-based institution or collector will come forward to secure this invaluable piece of Britain’s past, ensuring it remains a part of the nation’s cultural legacy.
Sources: THX News, Department for Culture, Media and Sport & Sir Chris Bryant MP.
