Gold 0.21%
£3,218.64 OZ
Silver -2.37%
£48.49 OZ
Platinum -0.49%
£1,360.58 OZ
The Silver Britannia is capital gains tax free in the UK, making is a very popular choice with UK investors
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The Staffordshire Gold Hoard was discovered by Terry Herbert, an amateur metal detectorist, in a field near the village of Hammerwich in Staffordshire, England. The hoard, uncovered on 5 July 2009, was one of the most significant and the largest collections of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found. It served as a dramatic development in our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period, particularly in terms of warfare, craftsmanship and wealth.
The hoard, worth 3.3 million pounds and consisting of over 4000 items, contains a remarkable 5.1kg (11 lbs) of gold items including hundreds of sword fittings, helmet decorations, crosses and other personal objects of adornment. The items showcase exceptional craftsmanship and intricate designs such as filigree, garnet cloisonné and interlacing patterns. The hoard also features approximately 1.4kg (3 lbs) of silver items, mostly in the form of weapon fittings. The hoard is made up of other items such as garnets, glass and other semi-precious stones.
The hoard is believed to be of royal or high-status origin, possibly linked to the Kingdom of Mercia, one of the powerful Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of the 7th century. It is also suggested that the hoard may have been spoils of war, a royal treasury or a votive offering, due to the large proportion of military items, such as sword pommels, hilt plates and helmet decorations, as well as religious artefacts and items of personal adornment.
The Staffordshire Hoard was acquired jointly by the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent following a public fundraising campaign. It displayed at the Potteries Museum and remains one of the most important archaeological finds in British history.
The Staffordshire Hoard dates back to the 7th century, during the time of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England. This period, known as the early medieval period, was marked by frequent warfare, shifting alliances, and the spread of Christianity across the region.
The hoard is believed to be a collection of war booty, possibly buried to keep it safe after a significant battle or during a period of political turmoil. Many of the items in the hoard are military in nature, including sword fittings and helmet fragments, which suggest that they were part of a warrior’s equipment. The hoard also contains religious items, such as crosses, indicating the growing influence of Christianity during this time.
The craftsmanship of the items in the Staffordshire Hoard is extraordinary. The intricate designs, use of precious materials, and the advanced techniques employed by the Anglo-Saxon goldsmiths highlight the sophistication of their society. The hoard provides invaluable insights into the wealth, power, and artistry of the Anglo-Saxon elite, as well as the religious and cultural influences of the time.
Following its discovery, the Staffordshire Hoard was declared a “treasure” under the Treasure Act of 1996, which means it was officially valued and then acquired by museums. The value of the hoard was assessed at £3.285 million, which was paid to Terry Herbert and Fred Johnson, who split the reward
The hoard is now housed and displayed in several locations, primarily the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. These museums, along with others, have worked to conserve and study the hoard, revealing more about its origins and the people who created it.
Auronum offers a wide range of Gold coins from the most prestigious mints in the world. Some extremely rare types come into our offices which are offered to investors at the most competitive premiums possible
