British history may have just undergone a significant addition, thanks to the remarkable discovery of a coin bearing the name of a forgotten Iron Age ruler. The coin was unearthed by a metal detectorist in a Hampshire field and carries the inscription ‘Esunertos.’ Experts are speculating that Esunertos may have reigned as a king from the formidable Danebury Fort, and this discovery has been heralded as “one of the outstanding discoveries of recent decades.”
Initially, the gold coin was expected to fetch around £4,000 ($5000) at auction. However, it exceeded all expectations by setting a new world record at Spinks Auction, selling for a staggering £20,400 ($25,500), reports the Daily Mail .
The coin was found by Lewis Fudge, a metal detectorist who received permission to search a farmer’s field in March this year. Lewis Fudge expressed his elation, stating:
“I am over the moon. If it were not for people in the auction room, I would have jumped around. The collectors I spoke to are gobsmacked. I’m so glad I did not take them up on their private offers before the auction. To think my find has generated its own Wikipedia page is incredible.”
Lewis Fudge found the coin bearing the name of an Iron Age king in a field in Hampshire. ( Spink Auctions )
Crowning the Iron Age King Esunertos
Leading Iron Age experts have analyzed the coin and believe it to be associated with a prominent male figure known as ‘IISVNIRTOS,’ or ‘Esunertos’ translating to ‘Mighty as the God Esos.’ One theory suggests…
