Silver Treasure of the 17th Century Found Under the Floor During Renovation.

According to ТСН: During the renovation of an old farmhouse in South Porton, West Dorset, a true discovery occurred. The Fuchs family stumbled upon a clay bowl, which contained over a thousand silver and gold coins from the 17th century, later selling this treasure for more than 75,000 dollars.

Unexpected Find

The renovation of the 400-year-old residence in 2019 turned into a kind of 'treasure hunt.' Robert Fuchs, while lowering the level of the concrete floor, accidentally broke the bowl with a pickaxe, and coins from the Tudor and Stuart eras – ranging from Elizabeth I to James I and Charles I – spilled out. Among the found coins were several gold pounds, silver half-crowns, shillings, and sixpences.

History of the Treasure

According to experts from the British Museum, the coins had been lying under the floor since approximately 1642 to 1644, during the early years of the First English Civil War. At that time, troops frequently moved through the Dorset region, and locals hid their savings in walls and floors to protect them from marauders. Many could not return for their coins due to escape, death, or confiscation.

The find was examined by specialists who confirmed its integrity and provenance. The collection was sold at auction by Duke’s Auctioneers on April 23, 2023, for more than 75,000 dollars. One gold coin of Charles I fetched 6260 dollars.

Betty Fuchs commented, 'My husband called me right from the construction site saying that something amazing had been found under the floor.' She believes the owner of the treasure intended to return for it, but war changed those plans.

Unusual Renovation

It is also worth mentioning that an illustrator from the USA conducted a true artistic experiment during a bathroom renovation, completely covering the floor with pennies and spending only 97 dollars. Photos of this unusual interior quickly went viral on social media.

The Fuchs family's find is not only of great archaeological value but also a vivid testimony to a history connected with tumultuous times when people had to hide their money from military actions. This story once again reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and paying attention to the past.