Wednesday 5 December 2012

Did I say Something Wrong?

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A bit odd this. I do not think there was anything untoward about the questions one archaeologist asks another here (below), nor in the tone of the message. So why - despite being sent over a fortnight ago - and the recipient clearly being at her computer for at least several of the days after receipt (records made in PAS database 21, 23, 27th Nov) has it received no answer? I bet if I were a metal detectorist I'd have got a reply the same day.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Barford"
To: rebecca.griffiths@ [....]
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 1:53 PM 
Subject: "Proculus coin" from Yorkshire

Dear Mrs Griffiths,
I've been trying to follow the news on this. Do you still believe the Proculus coin found by Colin Popplewell, and Mark Hildreth to be a post-medieval forgery? What brought you to that conclusion, does the site have anything suggesting the activities of 15th century collectors? Or do you suspect the finders of 'planting' it? 

I must say it does not look like a Paduan-type fake to me. What parallels can you cite? 

I presume you are aware of the existing entry on the UK Detector finds Database. Was that made before or after your rejection of the item? It is rather notable how quickly the item entered the market after coming out of the ground just about two weeks ago. 

In your Twitter feed it says you would be posting your provisional PAS database entry so people can see what the PAS made of it, but I cannot find this, can you give me a link? 

Thanks Paul Barford 
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So does the FLO still think this coin is a fake? On what grounds? Can she cite any parallels for similar-looking objects which are known to be 15th century fakes?   This is quite early for a Grand Tour loss for example, so is there anything in the finds assemblage from the same field suggesting the activities of 15th century collectors?  The sequence of events involved in identification and reporting of this coin is still wholly unclear. Neither has the FLO's original, nor a revised version of, record of this coin has been made publicly available - despite her being told by Bloomsbury that it was a "fair" record and could be released "Monday", two days before I tried unsuccessfully to find it. Why is it still hidden? Let PAS put their money where their mouth is. Or is there a reason why they are maintaining a discreet, or perhaps embarrassed silence? 


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