COINS dating back to the 4th century AD have found their way into a display cabinet at the Dean Heritage Centre.

The Yorkley coin hoard was found by metal detector enthusiast Gavin Warren, of the Forest of Dean Metal Detecting Club, in a field in Yorkley three years ago.

Although no container was found with the Roman coin hoard, which comprises 499 radiates and nummi coins, there were traces of textile that suggests they were within a sack or bag.

There are three radiate coins: two from AD 260-8 reign of Gallienus and one from AD 271-4 reign of Tetricus.

The rest of the coins are nummi dating from AD 294-340. Most of the coins date between AD 317-335.

The largest number of coins in the Yorkley coin hoard, 373 nummi, are dated AD330-5, the rule of Constantine.

Collections officer, Nicola Wynn said: "Dean Heritage Centre is very pleased to place the Yorkley coin hoard on display. The hoard was purchased as part of the treasure process. Part of the funding was secured by staff from the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund and The Headley Trust, and the remainder came from a fundraising campaign led by the Friends of Dean Heritage Centre. Many thanks to all who generously contributed, without whom we would not have been able to acquire the coins.

"In the last couple of decades, archaeological surveys and excavations have increased our knowledge of the Forest of Dean, and the Yorkley coin hoard is an important part of this process. The Lidar survey carried out by the Forestry Commission and Gloucestershire County Council Archaeological Service recently revealed a small fortlet at Yorkley, although its use is unknown. It is known that iron mining was carried out at Yorkley. Further exploration in the future will hopefully reveal more about Yorkley and the Forest of Dean's past."