Iron age coins which were thought to be more than 2,000 years old have been declared national treasure.

The gold coins were found in the Maldon area in March by metal detecting expert David Mann. He reported the find to Colchester Museum.

Curator of archeology at the museum Philip Wise spoke at an inquest at Chelmsford Coroner's Court yesterday.

He said: "The coins date between 20BC and the year 10AD and have a wreath design on one side and a galloping horse on the other."

Essex Coroner Malcolm Weir declared the coins national treasure, saying they fulfilled all the necessary criteria.

After the inquest Mr Wise said the find was exciting for the museum and the local area.

He said: "It is really a rare find. Iron age coins are not often found in hoards and normally found as singles coins.

"To be declared national treasure artefacts need to be over 300 years old and have a gold content of over ten per cent which these coins have."

Mr Wise the coins would be sent to the British Museum for valuation. He said: "When they are valued we hope we will be able to buy them and exhibit them at the Castle Museum."

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