Two additional Iron Age gold coins have been uncovered during a fresh archaeological excavation at the site of the famous Great Baddow Hoard near Chelmsford.
The newly discovered coins, known as gold staters, were found during a detailed excavation of the original hoard findspot by archaeologists from Archaeology South-East (ASE), part of the University College London Institute of Archaeology.
The Great Baddow Hoard, first discovered in 2020, is regarded as the largest recorded Iron Age gold coin hoard ever found in Britain. The original discovery included 933 gold coins dating from around 60BC to 20BC.
Archaeologists returned to the site in autumn 2025 in the hope of uncovering new clues about why the huge collection of coins had been buried in a field near Great Baddow more than 2,000 years ago. During the excavation, Senior Archaeologist Rob Cullum recovered two further coins from a two-metre-square trench dug down to the natural soil layer.
Experts identified both finds as “Whaddon Chase” type Eastern British gold staters — the same style as 930 of the original coins from the hoard. The ancient coins feature a horse design on one side and an abstract wreath pattern on the other.
Because the coins contain gold, they were formally declared treasure under the UK Treasure Act before being analysed by the British Museum through the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The coins have now officially been acquired by Museum of Chelmsford, bringing the total number of coins in the Great Baddow Hoard to 935.
Despite the exciting discovery, archaeologists said the latest excavation failed to uncover any further evidence explaining why the hoard was buried. A geophysical survey of the surrounding field also failed to reveal significant archaeological features linked to the burial.
Claire Willetts, Curatorial and Exhibitions Officer at the museum, said the purpose of the hoard remains one of Essex’s great archaeological mysteries. Theories include the possibility that the coins were hidden for safekeeping, used as a ritual offering, or connected to payments linked to Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain.
The entire Great Baddow Hoard — including the two newly discovered coins — is set to go on public display for the first time this summer as part of the exhibition “Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard” at the Museum of Chelmsford. The exhibition opens on 18 July 2026 and runs until April 2027.
The newly discovered coins, known as gold staters, were found during a detailed excavation of the original hoard findspot by archaeologists from Archaeology South-East (ASE), part of the University College London Institute of Archaeology.
The Great Baddow Hoard, first discovered in 2020, is regarded as the largest recorded Iron Age gold coin hoard ever found in Britain. The original discovery included 933 gold coins dating from around 60BC to 20BC.
Archaeologists returned to the site in autumn 2025 in the hope of uncovering new clues about why the huge collection of coins had been buried in a field near Great Baddow more than 2,000 years ago. During the excavation, Senior Archaeologist Rob Cullum recovered two further coins from a two-metre-square trench dug down to the natural soil layer.
Experts identified both finds as “Whaddon Chase” type Eastern British gold staters — the same style as 930 of the original coins from the hoard. The ancient coins feature a horse design on one side and an abstract wreath pattern on the other.
Because the coins contain gold, they were formally declared treasure under the UK Treasure Act before being analysed by the British Museum through the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The coins have now officially been acquired by Museum of Chelmsford, bringing the total number of coins in the Great Baddow Hoard to 935.
Despite the exciting discovery, archaeologists said the latest excavation failed to uncover any further evidence explaining why the hoard was buried. A geophysical survey of the surrounding field also failed to reveal significant archaeological features linked to the burial.
Claire Willetts, Curatorial and Exhibitions Officer at the museum, said the purpose of the hoard remains one of Essex’s great archaeological mysteries. Theories include the possibility that the coins were hidden for safekeeping, used as a ritual offering, or connected to payments linked to Julius Caesar's invasions of Britain.
The entire Great Baddow Hoard — including the two newly discovered coins — is set to go on public display for the first time this summer as part of the exhibition “Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard” at the Museum of Chelmsford. The exhibition opens on 18 July 2026 and runs until April 2027.
Great Baddow Hoard
Great Baddow gold coins
Chelmsford archaeology news
Iron Age coins Essex
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