THE KEMPEN HOARD – A UNIQUE TREASURE DISCOVERY
October 14, 2023
In our latest catalogue and online auction, we proudly present an extraordinary treasure: The Kempen Hoard. This unique collection of silver and gold coins is one of the most impressive hoards we’ve had the privilege to offer in decades. It consists of hundreds of silver coins and dozens of gold coins, originating from a wide range of countries. Join us as we travel back in time with the lucky finder to the moment of discovery.
*"That evening, I had been out with my metal detector. The signals so far had been disappointing, and I was getting ready to head home. As I swung the detector towards my car, I suddenly heard a faint signal—the kind you’d usually associate with aluminum foil. Despite my doubts, I decided to dig.
With the very first scoop, I struck gold—literally. A small object emerged from the earth, its distinctly golden color catching my eye. As I cleaned off the soil, I realized it was a gold coin. My mind was racing; I was light-headed with excitement. This was beyond anything I had ever found!
While still recovering from the shock, my detector beeped again, this time going wild. Normally, I might have ignored it, thinking it was just a can or some trash, but after my first find, I decided to dig up everything nearby. To my astonishment, I uncovered a large silver coin just a meter away.
What followed was like a dream: silver and gold coins kept appearing, some even accompanied by pieces of pottery. I quickly collected everything, stuffing my jacket pockets, then my finds pouch, and finally a large backpack. By the end, I was digging with my bare hands. After thoroughly searching the area, I headed home, still in disbelief about what I had uncovered."*
Like the famous hoards of Serooskerke (1966) and Randwijk (1987), The Kempen Hoard is a remarkable collection of coins with incredible variety. The latest coin in the hoard, a Zeeuwse Leeuwendaalder (Zeeland Lion Dollar) from 1616, provides a reasonable indication of when the treasure was buried. The earliest coin, a Noble of Henry VI of England, dates back to the second half of the 15th century. This means the hoard spans more than 150 years.
The diversity of the coins also reflects the extensive international trade of the time. Coins from the following regions were uncovered:
Spain, England, The Netherlands, Portugal, France, Spanish colonies in South America, The German and Italian states and Hungary
The wide geographic range highlights the thriving trade networks of the 16th and 17th centuries. Given the hoard’s high monetary value, it is likely that the original owner was a wealthy merchant. In 1621, as the Twelve Years’ Truce ended and hostilities between Spain and the Dutch Republic resumed, a merchant hiding his fortune from an advancing army seems plausible.
The Kempen Hoard offers a rare glimpse into the rich international history of trade and economics. Its combination of historical significance, geographic diversity, and monetary value makes it a true treasure for collectors and historians alike.
Don’t miss your chance to explore this extraordinary find—or even own a piece of history. Visit our catalogue and online auction for more details.
