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Dozens of rare coins, Viking arm rings and silver ingots were among a “nationally significant” hoard discovered in Oxfordshire by a man with a metal detector, archaeologists say.

A selection of items in the Watlington Hoard after examination work. Dozens of rare coins, Viking arm rings and silver inglots were among a "nationally significant" hoard discovered in Oxfordshire by a man with a metal detector. Image by The Trustees of the British Musuem/PA Wire.

A selection of items in the Watlington Hoard after examination work. Dozens of rare coins, Viking arm rings and silver inglots were among a “nationally significant” hoard discovered in Oxfordshire by a man with a metal detector. Image by The Trustees of the British Musuem/PA Wire.

The find was made near Watlington in October by James Mather, 60.

Mr Mather said: “Discovering this exceptional hoard … highlights how responsible metal detecting, supportive landowners and the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) contribute to national archaeological heritage.”

He added: “I hope these amazing artefacts can be displayed by a local museum to be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The collection dates from the time of the Last Kingdom, when the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex were fighting for their survival from the threat of a Great Heathen Army. The conflict led to the unification of England.

Mr Mather unearthed 186 coins, seven items of jewellery and 15 ingots, estimated to have been buried around the end of the 870s.

During that period, King Alfred “the Great” of Wessex achieved a decisive defeat of the Vikings at Edington, prompting them to move north of the Thames and travel to East Anglia through the kingdom of Mercia. Historians believe the hoard was buried in the course of those events.

Gareth Williams, curator of early medieval coinage at the British Museum, said it was a key moment in English history because Alfred forged a new kingdom of England by taking control of Mercia.

He said: “This hoard has the potential to provide important new information on relations between Mercia and Wessex at the beginning of that process.”

The collection was taken to the British Museum where a soil block was excavated. It will be studied by experts from the British Museum and the Ashmolean Museum.

Since 1997, a million discoveries have been unearthed by the public.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey said: “Sharing these archaeological treasures with the country means protecting them for future generations to learn more about our nation’s rich and complex past.”

Under the Treasure Act 1996, there is a legal obligation for finders to report such treasures. Members of the public can do so using the PAS, which is managed by the British Museum.

(Press Association)