The Armagh hobby metal-detectorist behind the Tamlaght Hoard has found a valuable 14th century hammered silver coin on his most recent escapade.
Sean McGirr has been traversing the Armagh countryside metal detecting for more than 30 years.
And in that time he has found many a curious and quaint artefact… some much more noteworthy than others, but all special and part of our shared history.
While Sean didn’t want to give away the exact location of his latest find, he said it was within a two mile radius of Armagh city centre.
It’s a site he has had some success with over the years and not too far from a previous location where he stumbled upon a incredible, once-in-a-lifetime “treasure trove”.
Back in 2004, Sean discovered what is now known as the ‘Tamlaght Hoard’.
The hoard included an imported Fuchsstadt-type bowl, a Jenišovice-type cup, a bronze ring and a leaf-shaped sword!
The bowl and cup originated from areas of Central Europe, and are the only known examples of these artefact types in Atlantic Europe. The bronze ring also likely came from Central Europe, particularly the regions of southern Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and north-western Hungary.
Leaf-shaped swords are particularly rare in Ireland. Of the hundreds of Late Bronze Age swords recorded, only four of this type have been identified, all in north-eastern Northern Ireland.
And Sean says, that particualar discovery came with an “interesting story!”
“That had to go to Coroner’s Court,” he said. “The same way a death goes to Coroner’s Court, a treasure trove goes to Coroner’s Court too.
“I am first in the North of Ireland that went through that new law and had to go through that court.
“Afterwards, it was declared a treasure trove and then it’s valued by an independent expert. I got 50% and the farmer got 50%. That’s conducted through a museum and that hoard is now on permanent display at The Ulster Museum.”
The avid enthusiast said “everything is by accident”, in respect of his exciting finds.
He said proudly that he has “never sold a thing”, and instead keeps his treasures or releases them to a museum, if they so wish to have it.
Of the new coin he now intends to add to his existing collection, Sean explained that it is a rare hammered silver coin, made by hand some time in the 1300s.
Because they were made by hand, no two are exactly the same!
He believes the coin to be a Scotland David II Groat. Made under the rule of Scottish King David II between 1329 – 1371 AD. That would make the coin almost 700 years old!
Explaining a little of the significance of hammered coins, the Westminster Collection website says that hammered coins weren’t simply used as currency.
“They were there during some of Britain’s most famous historical events,” it adds. “These coins circulated throughout the reigns of monarchs including Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I. They passed through the hands of merchants, soldiers and ordinary people during the Tudor and Stuart periods.
“Some examples would have been in everyday use during the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot and even the English Civil War.
“When you hold a hammered coin today, you’re holding an object that genuinely witnessed history unfold.”
And for Sean, the thrill of the find has rubbed off onto his grandson, who frequently joins him on the hunt and has also taken up the hobby.
“History belongs to us all,” said Sean. “It doesn’t belong just to one or two people. You never know what you will find and when you do, it’s vitally important to ensure you declare that find.”
The hobby also keeps him fit! “Moving through countryside, quietly making no noise and getting involved in the nature there too,” he said of his pastime.
He would encourage anyone with the time and curiosity to get involved.
But it does come with some rules that must at all times be adhered to.
Said Sean: “You must ask permission from the landowners. Anything of value needs to be declared.”
Most of all though, enjoy it and make the most of the learnings that come along the way.
Throughout his three decades metal-detecting, Sean said he has learnt an exorbitant amount about the Monarchy, despite having no real prior interest, all through coinage.
When asked to keep in touch if he ever digs up anything special in the future, he laughed and said, “I hope to be ringing you again next week!”
