Two detectorists sold a Viking-age hoard with coins showing Alfred the Great beside Ceolwulf II of Mercia, and about 270 coins are still missing

In the late 9th century someone buried about 300 silver coins, a gold ring, a gold bracelet, a rock-crystal pendant and silver ingots near Leominster. In June 2015 George Powell and Layton Davies found the hoard with metal detectors on land owned by Lord Cawley, without permission. The Treasure Act required them to report it within 14 days. They reported a few pieces and sold most of the rest through dealers. They were caught after posting photographs of coins in the ground on a detecting forum. One coin type shows Alfred of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia together, which experts read as a sign the two kings ruled as equals. Gareth Williams of the British Museum said the coins let historians reinterpret a key moment in the making of England. In November 2019 a jury at Worcester Crown Court convicted Powell and Davies of theft and concealment, and the dealers Simon Wicks and Paul Wells of concealment. Powell got 10 years, Davies 8.5 and Wicks 5; on appeal the two finders' terms were cut to 6 and 5. In December 2022 each was ordered to repay over £600,000 or serve about five more years. The recovered coins were valued at £501,000 and the missing ones at £2.4 million. In September 2024 Davies got five years and three months more for failing to pay £670,000. In January 2025 a warrant was issued for Powell's arrest. About 30 coins have been recovered.