How was the most valuable treasure in British history discovered?

A hoard of Norman silver coins has been confirmed as the most valuable treasure in British history.

The treasure was discovered five years ago in southwestern England and was bought by a heritage fund for £4.3 million ($5.6 million).

The seven people involved in finding the treasure will receive half of the money, more than £2 million, while the other half goes to the landowner where the treasure was discovered.

This coin hoard is worth more than 5 million USD. (Source: British Museum).

According to the South West Heritage Trust, which acquired the treasure, the coins date from around 1066-1068, a tumultuous period in English history when the Normans carried out their final successful conquest.

The oldest coin in the hoard depicts King Edward the Confessor , who died in January 1066 without a direct heir. This led to a power crisis as three contenders vied for the throne: Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex; Harald Hardrada, King of Norway; and William, Duke of Normandy.

Before his death, King Edward had appointed Harold Godwinson as his successor. However, the newly crowned Harold II faced challenges from two remaining rivals and was eventually defeated by William at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066.

This collection of coins illustrates the conflict of the period well, with nearly half of the coins bearing the image of Harold II, while the remainder show the image of William I (the Conqueror).

Amal Khreisheh, archaeologist at the South West Heritage Trust, said: " This treasure marks a pivotal moment in English history, when power passed from the Anglo-Saxon dynasty to the Normans ."

She also suggests that the treasure may have been buried around 1067-1068 on an estate in Chew Valley, owned by Giso, Bishop of Wells. It is likely that the money was hidden for protection amid the rebellions against William, particularly in the south-west of England.

In 1068 the people of Exeter rose up against William, while Harold's sons returned from exile in Ireland and launched raids in the Avon and Somerset areas, where the treasure was discovered.

Finding large quantities of coins from the time of Harold II is extremely rare, with the number of his coins in this hoard being double that of any previous discovery.

These precious coins will be on public display at the British Museum in London from November 26, before being transferred to museums in the southwest of England.