The 122 Anglo-Saxon pennies were in a hoard of 144 — worth 12 shillings 950 years ago — found in an Essex field by two metal detectorists in 2019 and 2020.

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One silver coin was detected only 4in deep.

Auctioneer Bradley Hopper said their owner might have died in battle.

He added: “Twelve shillings was a considerable sum.

“Its retrieval must’ve been prevented by some great personal misfortune.

“We can’t say with certainty the hoard’s owner died at Hastings — but it’s a tantalising possibility.”

Museums bought 16 of the coins found near Braintree.

And 122 others — including a Harold II penny — go under the hammer in London next week.

Profits go to the finders and field owner.