http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/6917481.stm
After four hours' digging near Newport, Brian Stephens found 587 silver denarii dating back some 2,000 years.
Fragments of a pottery container were also found nearby. The haul has been declared treasure and will be held at the National Museum Wales in Cardiff.
Mr Stephens, 45, will have to share his reward with the owner of the field.
At the treasure trove hearing, Gwent coroner David Bowen described it as "a particularly significant find," and the small coins were showing little wear.
The total haul at Llanvaches eventually comprised 599 silver denarii, buried in the years around AD160.
"At the time, these coins would have represented about two years' wages for a legionary soldier - and would have taken much longer to save.
"Whether the life savings of a retired soldier who settled locally, or the proceeds of commerce relating to Caerleon or Caerwent, the Llanvaches find represents a considerable sum of money and is one of the largest 2nd Century silver coin hoards recorded from Roman Britain."
After four hours' digging near Newport, Brian Stephens found 587 silver denarii dating back some 2,000 years.
Fragments of a pottery container were also found nearby. The haul has been declared treasure and will be held at the National Museum Wales in Cardiff.
Mr Stephens, 45, will have to share his reward with the owner of the field.
At the treasure trove hearing, Gwent coroner David Bowen described it as "a particularly significant find," and the small coins were showing little wear.
The total haul at Llanvaches eventually comprised 599 silver denarii, buried in the years around AD160.
"At the time, these coins would have represented about two years' wages for a legionary soldier - and would have taken much longer to save.
"Whether the life savings of a retired soldier who settled locally, or the proceeds of commerce relating to Caerleon or Caerwent, the Llanvaches find represents a considerable sum of money and is one of the largest 2nd Century silver coin hoards recorded from Roman Britain."
