RECORD FIND OF FORGERIES
Metal detectorists have found Britain’s largest ever hoard of forged coins in a field in Leek, Staffordshire. Research revealed the 332 half-crowns, shillings and sixpences, dated 1746 and made of base metal, were buried in 1801 by George Fearns. He had been caught passing forged notes to two undercover policemen during a sting operation at a pub. It is believed that Fearns, who lived in a 16th-century stone-walled house 200 yards from the field, buried the coins while he was being investigated. Although the stash remained hidden for 220 years, there was still enough evidence to prosecute Fearns, who was hanged in Stafford jail in 1801. D.Telegraph, 23 Dec 2021.
ROMAN GOLD COIN HOARD
Eleven Roman gold coins have been discovered, scattered near Norwich in Iceni tribe territory. Their queen, Boudica, would
