BATH, England, March 23 (UPI) -- An archaeological dig in Bath, England, has unearthed one of the largest hoards of Roman coins ever found in the country, experts say.
Researchers working at the site of a new hotel in the city's center about 450 feet from the historic Roman Baths uncovered more than 30,000 silver coins, The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.
Archaeologists say they believe the hoard is the fifth-largest ever discovered in Britain.
The coins, fused together in a block, have been sent for further analysis to the British Museum, where conservators say the task could take as long as 12 months.
The Roman Baths tourist attraction has launched a drive to raise about $240,000 to acquire, conserve and display the coins.
"We've put in a request for a formal valuation and then hope to buy the coins to display them at the baths," Stephen Clews, manager of the Roman Baths and Pump Room, said.
Archaeologists say the coins probably date to about A.D. 270.
"At the time there was a lot of unrest in the Roman Empire so there may be some explanation for why the coins were hidden away."
