A HOARD of coins dating to the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I found in a Cumbrian village have been declared as treasure.

A total of 27 coins were found in the village of Langwathby on March 26 last year, Cockermouth Coroner’s  Court heard.

A report from the British Museum found 26 of the coins dated from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and one Irish coin was from the reign of King James I.

James I shilling, 1st or 2nd issue, AD 1604-5James I shilling, 1st or 2nd issue, AD 1604-5 (Image: The British Museum)

Neil Irwin found 26 coins spread over one area and the other coin was found a few metres away by Tony Philips during a club rally.

The coins were issued between the 1550s and early 1600s and are in good condition but a few are worn.

The Penrith Museum has expressed an interest in acquiring the hoard.

Craig Smith, assistant coroner for Cumbria, said the objects met the criteria for treasure as they contained more than 10 per cent precious metal and were more than 300 years old.

The coroner determined that the items were treasure.

By law, finders of potential treasure should notify their local finds liaison officer (FLO) who will report the find to the coroner on their behalf. The coroner will then determine if the item is treasure at an inquest.

All treasure found in the UK belongs to the Crown and The Treasure Valuation Committee recommends a value for the find.

It is then offered for sale to a museum, and a reward shared between the finder and the landowner.