Coins disappear at Twinstead metal-detecting event
Victorian and Edwardian coins discovered at a metal-detecting event in north Essex have gone missing.
Enthusiasts using metal-detecting equipment dug up about 200 coins, thought to be worth about £350 each, at a site in Twinstead on Sunday.
But only two of the coins were handed in to be declared as treasure trove to the county coroner, police said.
Essex Police are appealing for anyone who knows about the missing haul, worth about £70,000, to contact them.
A further 129 coins were found during later searches at the site in the week.
The whole area is now thought to have been cleared of the finds, which are believed to have been undiscovered for more than 90 years.
PC Andy Long, Essex Police's heritage crime officer, said: "All the coins found on the site are protected by the Treasure Act.
"They are treasure trove and have to be declared to the county coroner.
"We would urge anyone who has taken any of the coins or knows of their whereabouts to contact us immediately."