A rare counterfeit 7th Century coin has been declared treasure – despite the fact it’s a fake.
The coin was reportedly described as a ‘blundered’ counterfeit, with spelling mistakes on the legend on both sides.
According to the BBC, a coroner heard that the coin was an unofficial copy of a gold Merovingian tremissis, originally minted between 630 and 650.
Found near Woodbridge in Suffolk in 2016, the hearing was told it may have been used for jewellery.
Archaeological officer Faye Minter reportedly said the legends on each side were “blundered” to a degree which was “unusual in official issues of this coinage”.
But she said the coin was rare whether it was counterfeit or not.
Other Anglo-Saxon historical artefacts have been found near Woodbridge, including an Anglo-Savon ship burial site.
Anyone who finds gold or silver artefacts thought to be more than 300 years old must report them under the 1996 Treasure Act.
