Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1991 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
4 items, paper
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Four pieces of correspondence concerning an undeclared hoard of short-cross coins:
(a) letter from Jeffrey Mass to IS, typescript, dated 7 October [1991], explaining a recent development in the matter of an undeclared hoard of short-cross coins, whereby the owner of the hoard allowed JM to make a record of the contents of the hoard on the condition "that his name and the particulars of the find must remain confidential". JM further explains that he discussed the matter with Nick Mayhew and Michael Metcalf, who agreed with him about the importance of disseminating the knowledge. He states that he has also written to Barrie Cook for advice on how to proceed but expects that the will be put before the BNS Council. His interest, he states, lies in publishing the hoard, which consists in some 80 short-cross coins, "more than half of which are broken bits or larger fragments". JM appreciates the delicacy of the situation and the likely position of the BM, but he thinks that the information should be made public. He has already informed Martin Allen, Glenn Gittoes and Peter Woodhead of the hoard.
(b) photocopy of letter from Barrie Cook to Jeffrey Mass, typescript, dated 28 October 1991, thanking JM for his letter and suggesting that he urge the finder to declare the hoard. In respect of publication, BC states that his position left him no other option than to put the matter before the BNS Council, which was strongly against it.
(c) letter from Jeffrey Mass to IS, typescript, dated 13 November [1991], expressing his displeasure over the decision of the BNS Council not to support the BNJ publication of a report on the undeclared hoard, which he regarded as a "direct suppression of knowledge".
(d) copy of an unsigned letter to Professor Jeffrey Mass, typescript, dated 25 November 1991, bearing the notation "Our ref IS" [i.e. Ian Stewart], explaining the position of the BNS Council and suggesting alternative avenues of either publication.