A hearing on a hoard of coins found in Shropshire which amounted to enough to buy 26 loaves of bread or 26 litres of wine in Roman Britain is to be held this week.

See enlarged images of the coins by clicking on the numbers below

The 13 bronze coins were found in a farmer’s field in Ellesmere by treasure hunters and they are believed to date from 180 to 200AD.

A treasure trove inquest is being held at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court tomorrow to determine whether the items are treasure.

Roy Griffiths, chairman of the Wrexham Heritage Society, said the coins were found by his group in a field in the Ellesmere area in August 2007.

He said the artefacts had been stumbled upon after members had initially visiting a farmer as part of their service to identify or uncover lost metal.

Peter Reavill, finds liaison officer for Shropshire and Herefordshire’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, said the hoard was an unusual find.

He said large bronze coins were used as everyday money for people living in Roman Britain, but rarely survived in large collections.

“It is likely that these coins were originally contained within a purse and were lost together some time during the period 180 to 200 AD,” said Mr Reavill.

“They were not commonly hoarded together, as they were relatively worthless compared to the silver coins. This group of coins, 13 sestertii is equal to three and one quarter denarii, the smallest silver Roman coin.

“The average Roman legionary soldier was paid 300 denarii per year and a skilled labourer was paid one denarii for a day’s work. With 13 sestertii you would have been able to buy 26 loaves of bread or 26 litres of wine.”

By Russell Roberts