Raiders of the Lost Hoard: Civil War-era treasure found in local parish

A remarkable discovery of Civil War-era coins found in the rafters of Crediton Parish Church is set to go under the hammer at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s Auction House in London on 12 March.

The four Charles I halfcrowns, which were originally part of a much larger hoard uncovered in 1896, provide a rare glimpse into a turbulent period in British history.

The coins, struck between 1633 and 1645, include a rare issue from New Inn Hall, Oxford – a mint established when Charles I relocated his power base to the West. Accompanied by identifying tickets detailing their discovery in Crediton, these coins represent a fascinating piece of Devon’s past.

The story of the hoard dates back to 15 October 1896, when workmen renovating a vestry room at Crediton Parish Church were stunned as a bag of silver coins, concealed in the rafters, broke open and cascaded down. A total of 1,884 silver coins, weighing nearly 20lbs, were recovered. The latest dated coin was from 1683, leading experts to believe they had been hidden around 1685, possibly as a financial safeguard in uncertain times.

Unlike typical hoards, which consist of coins from a single era, the Crediton discovery spanned over 140 years, from Edward VI to Charles II. This suggests a slow accumulation rather than a single concealed fortune. The absence of Commonwealth coins also aligns with historical records, as these were withdrawn and recoined following the Restoration in 1661.

Richard Gladdle, of Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s, believes the hoard may have been amassed over two decades, possibly by someone linked to the church. “Was it a secret war chest, a financial reserve, or simply a stash forgotten over time? We may never know,” he said. “What we do have is an extraordinary piece of history, now set to captivate collectors and historians alike.”

The auction will take place at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s, 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX. For more details, visit www.sgbaldwins.com.