Treasure hunting enthusiasts struck gold at a rally near Wootton Bassett at the weekend.
More than 260 metal detector operators, from all over the country, took to fields in Hook for the rally on Saturday organised by Clive Leavy of Wootton Bassett and District Rotary Club.
The event raised £3,640 towards Rotarian charities and the treasure hunters found a solid gold stater coin dating back to about 100 years BC.
The Celtic coin, believed to have been brought to the area by the Atrebate tribe, is thought to be worth more than £300.
It was found by Alan Riddle of Warminster.
Rotarian John Loran said that the treasure hunters had found a whole variety of objects.
They included an 18th-century solid silver seal matrix, used to seal a document, which was found by Pete Pierce of Oxfordshire, and a 15th-century belt buckle.
“But the best find was the gold stater coin,” said Mr Loran. “It was in a lovely condition; it was the size of a farthing and had beautiful markings.”
He said that the rally was one of the best ever organised by the Rotarians.
“I think part of the success was that it was the first rally of the season and the weather was good as well,” he said.
“The ground was moist enough to conduct the signal but it wasn’t too muddy.”
Members of the Portable Antiquities Scheme were on hand to help identify, value and document significent finds.
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