TWO medieval coin hoards found near Oswestry 'are treasure' an inquest has declared.

The inquests into two silver groats of from the period of Edward III found in Hordley and two silver pennies issued by Edward the Confessor found in Knockin took place in Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, November 15.

The two silver groats date from 1356 to 1361 were found by Bob Greenaway in 2020 and the coins issued by Edward the Confessor date from 1044 to 1046 and discovered by Stephen Lewis in 2019.

A report into the two silver groats was carried out by Dr Susheela Burford, the finds liaison officer for Warwickshire and Worcestershire and the court heard how the coins were clipped around the edges and it is believed the coins were from a suspected purse loss.

Dr Burford concluded: "The age and grouping of these coins, as two or more coins together of 10 percent precious metal, meet the criteria for treasure under the Treasure Act 1996."

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After reading the report from Dr Burford, the chief coroner for Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, John Ellery made his decision and concluded: "The grouping of these coins meet criteria under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996.

"On that evidence, I declare it to be treasure."

A report into the pennies found in Knockin was done by Dr Susie White, finds liaison officer for North Wales and Dr Gareth Williams, curator of early medieval coins in the British Museum and they spoke about the rarity of these coins.

They concluded: "Coins of this period are comparatively rare and it is unlikely that at two unrelated coins of the same type would be found together.

"Coins of this period have a high silver content and even the poorer examples far exceed the threshold of 10 percent required by the Treasure Act 1996.

"In terms of their age, their association with each other and other precious metal content, it is therefore recommended that these finds constitute treasure under the act."

Having read the report and recommendation, Mr Ellery concluded: "In terms of age and precious metal, it is recommended these finds categorised as treasure.

"I declare those two coins to be categorised as treasure."