Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Early medieval coin - Byzantine solidus, discovered in Westerham

Monument Types

• FINDSPOT (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 700 AD to 800 AD)

Associated Finds

• COIN (Early Medieval or Anglo-Saxon - 700 AD to 800 AD)

Full description

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A gold solidus of the 8th c A.D. was found on the Green, Westerham, on 1.9.54, by Vincent W.F. Smith, of Westerham and the Judd School, Tonbridge, when soil from a gas main excavation was thrown up. The coin became the property of Mr. S.W. Turner of Tonbridge. The coin shows Leo III, Byzantine Emperor, on the obverse, and his son, later Constantine V, on the reverse. It was probably minted at Rome c. 720 A.D (British Museum identification). (1 and 2).

Vincent W.F. Smith, late of Pyewell Cottage, The Green, Westerham, was last heard of several years ago, went to Birmingham University (3).

Both his parents have lately died, and no further information concerning the findspot could be obtained. (Sited to The Green, Westerham, at TQ 4470 5403) (4,5).

<1> Dr Kent, BM. (OS Card Reference). SKE41510.

<2> Arch Cant 69, 1955,p.210 (LRA Grove) (OS Card Reference). SKE34495.

<3> The School Secretary, Judd School for Boys, Tonbridge,Kent. (OS Card Reference). SKE50511.

<4> F1 ASP 14-JAN-63 (OS Card Reference). SKE42101.

<5> Field report for monument TQ 45 SW 32 - January, 1963 (Bibliographic reference). SKE2689.

Sources and further reading