Medieval coin brooch featuring bearded bishop's face found by metal detectorist

From the Norman Conquest until the reign of Edward III, England's currency was made up of silver pennies.

A rare medieval coin brooch has been found by a metal detectorist in Norfolk.

The coin, which is thought to have been made into a brooch in the 13th century, features the head of Enguerrand, Bishop of Amiens, on one side and a cross on the other.

It is believed to be the first time a bishop's head has been found on a coin brooch in England.

The brooch was found by metal detectorist Dave Allen on farmland near the village of North Creake, in west Norfolk.

Mr Allen, who has been metal detecting for around 20 years, said he was "over the moon" with his find.

"I knew straight away that it was something special," he said.

"It's the best find of my detecting career so far."

The coin brooch is made from a large silver coin, known as a gros tournois, which was minted in France during the reign of Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis.

The coins were very popular and were often used to make jewelry.

Dr Ben Marsden, finds liaison officer for the Norfolk Historic Environment Service, said: "This is a very exciting find.

"Coin brooches are not that uncommon, but they're usually made from English pennies, and to have one made from a French coin is very unusual indeed.

"And what's really interesting about this one is that it has the head of a bishop on it, which is something we've never seen before on a coin brooch in England.

"Usually, if there's a head on the coin, it's the king's head."

Dr Marsden said the bishop's head on the coin is that of Enguerrand, also known as Ingeramus de Crequy, who was Bishop of Amiens from 1258 to 1278.

He said it is likely that the coin was made into a brooch by someone who wanted to show their piety, rather than the cross on the back of the coin.

"It's a very interesting and valuable object, and we're very grateful to Mr Allen for reporting it to us," Dr Marsden said.

"A coroner will now determine whether it is treasure, and Norwich Castle Museum is interested in acquiring it."

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