De Kempen Hoard: an extraordinary discovery in our auction
In our latest catalogue and online auction, we proudly present an exceptional find: the Kempen Hoard.
This unique collection of silver and gold coins is among the most impressive treasure finds that we have been able to offer in decades.
The collection includes hundreds of silver coins and dozens of gold copies from a wide range of European countries.
Come back in time with us and experience the moment of discovery with the lucky finder.
The moment of discovery
“That evening, I was out with my metal detector. Until then, I had had little luck and I was already planning to go home.
As I walked towards my car, I suddenly caught a weak signal, the kind you would normally associate with a piece of aluminum foil. Still, I decided to dig.
At the first shovel, I already saw something glittering. A small object emerged from the ground and the golden yellow color immediately caught my attention. When I wiped it clean, I saw that it was a gold coin. My heart was racing.
Still full of tension, the detector went out again, this time violently. To my surprise, I found a large silver coin barely a meter away. What happened next felt like a dream.
Again and again, silver and gold coins appeared, some along with pottery fragments. Towards the end, I dug with my bare hands. After carefully examining the grounds, I went home, still in disbelief about what I had discovered.”
The history of the Kempen Hoard
Just like the famous finds of Serooskerke (1966) and Randwijk (1987) the Kempen Hoard is an extraordinary coin treasure with a wide variety of origins.
The youngest coin in the treasure, a Zeeland Leeuwendaalder from 1616, gives a good idea of when the treasure was probably buried.
The oldest coin, a Noble by King Henry VI of England, dates back to the second half of the 15th century.
The find covers more than 150 years of monetary history and forms a tangible connection between medieval England, the Low Countries and early modern Europe.
Origin of the coins
The variety of the coins reflects the vibrant international trade in the Low Countries during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The treasure contains coins from, among others:
- Spain
- England
- The Netherlands
- Portugal
- France
- The Spanish colonies in South America
- The German and Italian States
- Hungary
This broad geographical distribution shows the close trade contacts of the time.
The original owner was probably a wealthy merchant who wanted to protect his capital in a period of political uncertainty.
In 1621, at the end of Twelve Year Truce between Spain and the Republic, hostilities flared up again.
In such a context, it seems likely that the owner was hiding his assets from approaching troops or looting.
Documentation in the Schulman Archives
What the Kempen Hoard what makes it even more special is that this treasure has been expanded documented and auctioned in its entirety during Schulman Auction 368.
The find was not only officially published in this auction, but also extensively illustrated in the printed catalogue, which can be consulted digitally via our website.
This catalog can be viewed digitally via:
Auction 368
The inclusion of this treasure in our catalogue marked a special moment within the Dutch numismatics.
Rarely has a coin found been presented with so much care, scientific attention and international context.
A unique collection
The Kempen Hoard offers a rare window into the early modern economy and European trade.
The combination of historical significance, geographical diversity and numismatic value makes this treasure special for collectors and historians alike.
Each coin tells a part of a larger story about craft, trust and about how people tried to preserve their wealth in uncertain times.
