Coin, ancient British, silver, found by metal-detectorist reportedly beside Rushmere Pond, Hambledon, Hampshire, issued by Tincommius.

Silver coin in the name of Tincomarus

Late pre-Roman Iron Age, 25-20BC

Found by metal-detectorist at Hambledon, Hampshire

In the later first century BC, the rulers of southern England began to put their names on the coins circulating in their kingdoms. These coins represent the earliest evidence of the use of writing in Britain. The reverse of this coin shows a bull rearing on hind legs with the letters TIN above, which was always thought to stand for Tincommius. However, gold coins from two large hoards found in 1996 at Alton, Hampshire, give the full rendition of his name, Tincomarus. He was the ruler over a kingdom centred on the modern counties of Hampshire and Sussex, where his coins have been found.