At the Sizewell C nuclear site in Suffolk, archaeologist Andrew Pegg has uncovered a rare hoard of 321 pristine silver coins dating from 1036-1044, revealing new insights into England’s 11th-century economy and political unrest during the reigns of Harold I and Edward the Confessor.
In a remarkable discovery at the Sizewell C nuclear power station site in Suffolk, archaeologist Andrew Pegg unearthed a hoard of 321 silver coins dating back to the 11th century. This significant find, now affectionately known as “the pasty” due to its packaging resemblance to the beloved pastry, is generating considerable excitement within the archaeological community for its historical implications and pristine condition.
Pegg, who is 49, embarked on his archaeological career later in life, having retrained through a programme with Cotswold Archaeology. His discovery of these coins wrapped in cloth and encased in a lead container has been hailed as one of the most significant archaeological finds of this century. Dating back to 1036-1044, during the tumultuous reigns of Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor, this collection of coins reflects a period of substantial socio-political upheaval in England.
Experts suggest that the coins were likely buried by a local individual apprehensive about impending conflict or regime change, particularly following Edward the Confessor’s coronation in 1042. This theory posits that the burial of such a substantial cache indicates an intent to safeguard valuables against potential invasions. Those possessing the coins would have been of some degree of local influence; it is unlikely that a peasant would have hidden such a significant treasure, while a nobleman would typically have either fled or engaged in the conflict rather than risk hiding their wealth underground.
What makes these coins particularly notable, beyond their age, is the distinct markings that indicate they originated from various mints in the Southwest of England, illustrating a vibrant economy with diverse trade routes at that time. The coins exemplify the interconnectedness of local economies and suggest that Suffolk was not merely a remote outpost but part of a broader, active trade network.
In addition to this hoard, the Sizewell site has revealed various artifacts related to the Second World War, indicating its long-standing historical significance. The juxtaposition of findings from such different periods encapsulates a rich narrative of human history, presenting a “perfect archaeological time capsule,” as Pegg described it after the discovery. His enthusiasm showcases a vital aspect of archaeology: the ability to uncover stories that bridge centuries and connect past lives to the present.
The find has significant implications for historians, offering insights into the everyday lives of individuals from the 11th century. Researchers view this hoard not just as a collection of coins, but as an artefact that could inform discussions about medieval society, trade, and even the anxieties surrounding unstable political climates.
As archaeologists continue their work at Sizewell C, it remains to be seen what other treasures or historical insights may surface, but for now, the pasty hoard stands as a testament to the unexpected treasures still waiting to be discovered beneath the surface of our modern world.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.blanquivioletas.com/en/archaeologist-ancient-coins-at-sizewell/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2025-01-07/perfect-time-capsule-of-11th-century-coins-discovered-at-nuclear-power-site – A hoard of over 300 mint-condition silver coins was discovered near the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk. The coins, dating from 1036 to 1044, were found wrapped in cloth and lead, leading archaeologists to nickname the bundle ‘the pasty.’ The discovery provides insight into the social and political upheaval of the 11th century, particularly following the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042. Archaeologist Andrew Pegg, who unearthed the coins, described the find as a ‘perfect archaeological time capsule.’ ([itv.com](https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2025-01-07/perfect-time-capsule-of-11th-century-coins-discovered-at-nuclear-power-site?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wl9re5j1qo – A hoard of 11th-century silver coins was found at the Sizewell C site in Suffolk. The lead package containing 321 mint-condition coins was discovered during excavations for the future nuclear power station. The coins date from 1036 to 1044 and may have been buried by a local figure fearing regime changes following the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042. Archaeologist Andrew Pegg expressed excitement upon the discovery, describing it as a ‘perfect archaeological time capsule.’ ([bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wl9re5j1qo?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.sizewellc.com/news-views/coin-hoard/ – During excavations for the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, archaeologists from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology discovered a lead and cloth package containing 321 mint-condition silver coins dating to the 11th century. The bundle, affectionately named ‘the pasty’ due to its size, provides valuable insight into the social and political upheaval of the 11th century, particularly following the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042. Archaeologist Andrew Pegg, who unearthed the coins, described the find as a ‘perfect archaeological time capsule.’ ([sizewellc.com](https://www.sizewellc.com/news-views/coin-hoard/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.ipswich.co.uk/articles/major-medieval-coin-hoard-discovered-at-sizewell-c-to-feature-on-bbc-two-tonight – A remarkable hoard of over 300 silver coins from the 11th century was unearthed during construction work at Suffolk’s Sizewell C nuclear power station site. The hoard includes 321 mint-condition silver coins dating from 1036 to 1044, spanning the reigns of Harold I, Harthacnut, and Edward the Confessor. Archaeologists believe it may have been a ‘savings pot’ belonging to someone of middling status during a period of significant political upheaval. The discovery will feature on BBC Two’s ‘Digging for Britain’ tonight, Tuesday, 7 January, at 20:00. ([ipswich.co.uk](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/articles/major-medieval-coin-hoard-discovered-at-sizewell-c-to-feature-on-bbc-two-tonight?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/the-pasty-hoard-serves-up-a-slice-of-11th-century-life – During excavations for the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, archaeologists from Oxford Cotswold Archaeology unearthed a lead and cloth package containing 321 mint-condition silver coins dating to the 11th century. The small lead bundle, barely bigger than a Cornish pasty, has been affectionately nicknamed ‘the pasty’ by the archaeologists. This discovery sheds new light on the social and political turbulence of the 11th century, particularly the uncertainties brought about by the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042. ([numismaticnews.net](https://www.numismaticnews.net/world-coins/the-pasty-hoard-serves-up-a-slice-of-11th-century-life?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be recent, but there is no specific date mentioned in the text to verify its freshness against online sources.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Andrew Pegg about the site being a ‘perfect archaeological time capsule’ could not be verified against earlier online sources, so it may be original or not widely reported.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative originates from an unfamiliar site, which may indicate a lack of established reputation for factual reporting.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The discovery of ancient coins and its historical context are plausible, given the archaeological significance of the site and the era in question.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is plausible due to its historical context, but its freshness and reliability are uncertain due to the lack of specific dates and unfamiliar origin. The quote’s authenticity could not be verified.
