A WARRINGTON based archaeologist who has been carrying out research into an ancient settlement for the past 10 years is celebrating in style after strike gold at the double!
Using his trusty metal detector James Balme struck gold twice in local fields, unearthing rare gold sovereign coins.
Well known in the region for his discovery of ancient treasures left behind from the Bronze Age, Iron age and Roman periods of history at Warburton near Lymm, James has now uncovered two gold finds from a different era.
James from Woolston, explained: “I have been carrying out intensive historical and archaeological research for a decade which is a landmark in itself. The ten years has flown by and during that time my research has unearthed countless treasures from ancient times proving that the area was populated from the prehistoric period right through until the present day. My work has attracted a lot of media and TV coverage during that time culminating in a Time Team programme filmed in the village in 2006.
“My latest discoveries are just as exciting as many of the ancient treasures I have made. Whilst searching a new area of land recently I recovered two gold coins in pristine condition within just a few days of each other.
“The first coin is a rare gold sovereign of William IV dated 1832 and is in excellent condition. The second coin is a half sovereign of George V dated 1915.
“To find one gold sovereign is quite rare but to find two gold sovereigns in close proximity is a great achievement.”
The coins are of great historical value and it is currently estimated that the coins are worth somewhere in the region of over £1000 on today’s market.
James said: “Following this latest discovery I will be continuing my research for the foreseeable future to uncover more evidence of our ancient past.”
Pictures show James Balme with his trusty metal detector and the William IV coin (left) and the King George coin (right).
1 Comment
oh where did you get that hat!