They crossed the English Channel and took control of the English throne. The events were immortalized in the Bayeux Tapestry, one of English history’s most important artifacts.
About half of the coins in the collection feature William the Conqueror. The other half depicts the portraits of Harold II, the last Saxon king of England. He ruled for only nine months after Edward the Confessor died. Only one coin displays Edward’s likeness.
The coins were probably buried for safekeeping as fights broke out in southern England. They remained underground for nearly an entire millennium.
Ever since the hoard was discovered, experts have been meticulously studying and restoring them. Recently, the South West Heritage Trust purchased the coins for $5.6 million.
The proceeds will go to the metal detectorists and the owner of the land on which the artifacts were found.
The coins are scheduled to appear in museums across the country before finally arriving at their permanent home in the Museum of Somerset in Taunton, where people can visit them year-round.
“This remarkable hoard gives us unique insight into our country’s rich history and one of the most important moments in our history when these islands were thrown into turmoil by the Norman Conquest,” stated Sir Chris Bryant, England’s Heritage Minister.
