A collection of late Roman gold and silver coins, known as the Springhead Hoard, has seen its first part sold at auction for £23,240. The hoard was uncovered in 1964 during roadworks on the A2.
The Gravesend Historical Society bought 420 coins from the hoard in 1965 after an inquest declared it a treasure trove and the British Museum took 27 coins. Society members had helped recover a total of 447 coins as roadworks continued.
The coins were found within the remains of a Roman roadside settlement and religious centre, thought to have been hidden around the 380s AD. London auctioneers Noonans noted that many coins were in "remarkably fresh" condition.
Proceeds from the auction will support work on the society's archive. The remaining coins from the hoard are scheduled to be sold next spring.