Iron Age gold coin hoard on display at Museum of Chelmsford

The 2,000-year-old gold coins are the centrepiece of the Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard exhibition, which opened on July 18 and runs until April 11, 2027.

One of the museum's star attractions - the Roman Birrus Britannicus figurine (Image: Claire Naylor)

The exhibition marks the first time the full hoard has been displayed and invites visitors to reflect on what makes an object valuable, both historically and personally.

Jennie Lardge, deputy leader of Chelmsford Council and councillor responsible for culture and leisure, said: "It is thrilling to think that recent archaeological discoveries right on our doorstep are helping to expand our knowledge of late Iron Age communities.

The Great Baddow coin hoard (Image: Claire Naylor)

"I’m delighted that the Museum of Chelmsford has been able to share these incredible finds with local people through this new exhibition, which will undoubtedly inspire a sense of pride in Chelmsford’s rich heritage as it becomes known as the home of Britain’s largest Iron Age gold coin hoard."

The Great Baddow Coin Hoard, discovered on the outskirts of Chelmsford, dates from 60–20 BC - a period of upheaval in Britain ahead of Julius Caesar’s second invasion.

Alastair Threlfall, archaeological conservator at UCL Institute of Archaeology, installs and amphora in the exhibition (Image: Claire Naylor)

All 935 coins, along with remnants of a possible vessel, are now on public view thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors.

The exhibition delves into why such a treasure might have been buried and never retrieved, exploring the wider context of Chelmsford’s Iron Age history.

It also features other recent archaeological finds, including ornate glassware and ceramics uncovered by Archaeology South-East at a newly discovered 2,000-year-old cemetery north of the city.

A recent archaeological dig by Archaeology South-East (Image: Claire Naylor)

The display is part of a broader programme funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, and Archaeology South-East.

Claire Willetts, curator and exhibitions officer at the Museum of Chelmsford, said: "I wanted to make the concept of treasure and what makes us value different things the main thread weaving through this exhibition.

"Treasures that, as they are uncovered today, have their own hidden stories to tell."

Among the personal treasures displayed are a Roman 'hoodie' figurine, a Victorian family christening gown, and a 1960s merry-go-round model built by Marconi Company apprentices.