Ballaslig (Medieval Coin Hoard)

PROVEN MEDIEVAL HOARD SITE — the Ballaslig Coin Hoard was discovered in 1978 and dates to the early 14th century. Contents: over 200 English sterling silver pennies — a substantial sum of money in the medieval period. Now in the Manx Museum. The early 14th century was a turbulent time on IoM — the island changed hands between Scottish and English control several times. WHY DETECT HERE: Someone buried over 200 silver pennies and never came back for them — most likely because of the political chaos of the period (Edward I, Edward II, Robert the Bruce all fought over IoM). Medieval hoards are less glamorous than Viking gold but potentially more numerous — every village and farm that feared raiding parties would have buried valuables. The medieval period is MASSIVELY underrepresented in IoM detecting finds compared to Viking material.