A rare silver penny of King David I worth £15,000, a Middle Bronze Age axe head dating back over 3,000 years, a gold Roman coin struck for Emperor Vitellius, and medieval coin hoards are among more than 1,300 archaeological finds highlighted in the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP) Report 2025/26.  

The report was launched at Scotland’s second annual Treasure Trove event, hosted by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) with Trimontium Museum and Trust in Melrose.  

The event brought together finders, museum professionals, archaeologists and heritage organisations to celebrate discoveries that continue to expand our understanding of Scotland’s past. 

During 2025/26, SAFAP considered 266 Treasure Trove cases involving 1,324 finds and recommended their allocation to museums across Scotland. The discoveries span thousands of years of history, from prehistoric tools and Bronze Age metalwork to Roman artefacts, Pictish sculpture and medieval treasures. 

Among the year’s most significant discoveries are: 

• A previously unknown silver penny of King David I valued at £15,000 
• A gold Roman aureus of Emperor Vitellius valued at £6,500 
• A Pictish Class I symbol stone from Golspie valued at £3,000 
• Medieval coin hoards from Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders valued at £9,380 and £4,941 respectively. 

Many of these finds have now been allocated to museums, where they will be preserved, researched and displayed for the public. The report also highlights the vital role played by responsible finders in uncovering and reporting artefacts that add new evidence to Scotland’s archaeological record.  

John Logue, KLTR, said: “Scotland’s history is still being uncovered. From a rare royal coin to Roman gold and medieval hoards, these discoveries are helping to rewrite what we know about Scotland’s past. Through the Treasure Trove system, finders, museums and archaeologists work together to uncover, preserve and share remarkable new chapters of our national story.” 

Jane Ryder, chair of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel, said: “This year’s report demonstrates the extraordinary range of discoveries being made across Scotland. From royal and Roman coins to Pictish sculpture, personal jewellery, religious objects and evidence of everyday life, these finds help tell the story of the people who lived, worked and travelled across Scotland over thousands of years. 

“Each discovery reported adds another piece to the picture. Together they show the immense value of the Treasure Trove system in preserving and sharing Scotland’s archaeological heritage.”