A RARE coin and arrowhead that was discovered in Eastcombe has been officially declared treasure in an inquest.

The historic relics - a 14th century French coin and a 300 year old silver bodkin - were discovered in May and June this year. 

The discovery was made by Pitchcombe metal detectorist Carol Butler while searching farmland owned by Martin Slinger. 

In two separate inquests held last week (September 29) at Gloucestershire Coroner's Court, assistant county coroner Roland Wooderson said that Stroud's Museum in the Park was interested in acquiring both items.

The British Museum is also keen to have the French coin, described as a 'Piedfort token' from the reign of Charles IV - known as King Charles The Fair - between 1322 - 1328.

The coroner said he had received a report from Dr Denise Wilding, treasure registrar at the British Museum, about the piedfort token which was found by Ms Butler on May 24 this year.

The report said the item measured 3mm in width and with a diameter of 21mm and weighs just over 8 grams. 

Stroud News and Journal:

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. 

Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials, or for collectors.

The silver bodkin, dated between 1600 and 1700, was found on the same area of land by Ms Butler on June 2 this year, the coroner was told.

Stroud News and Journal:

Kurt Adams, Gloucestershire and Avon finds liaison officer, said the relic is described as a fragment because it is missing the central portion and pointed tip of the pin.

Both items were formally declared to be treasure by the coroner because of their age - more than 300 years old - and their precious metal content.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice for 2021 show there were 23 finds in Gloucestershire reported to Gloucestershire Coroner's Court. 

This was up from 20 the year before – ​and among 204 found in the area since records began in 1995.

The MoJ said the rise in the number of finds from 2020 to 2021 is likely due to the easing of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.