Seventeen years after the mysterious theft of Scotland's rarest coin collection, a significant reward of £50,000 has been put on the table for any information leading to the recovery of the stolen items. This appeal, spearheaded by Crimestoppers Scotland, aims to shed light on the fate of the coins and bring justice to the late Lord Stewartby, whose collection was once considered the best assemblage of Scottish coins ever put together by any individual.
The tale begins on June 6, 2007, when more than 1,000 ancient coins, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, were stolen from the home of Lord and Lady Stewartby located in Broughton, near Peebles. The shocking theft took place overnight, and the criminals made off with treasures valued at over £500,000, which included some of the earliest symbols of Scotland's independence. The coins were minted during significant periods under the reigns of David I and Alexander III. Yet, since the day they vanished, no trace of them has been discovered, leaving the community and the Stewartby family yearning for answers.
The collection was eventually entrusted to the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow by Lord Stewartby before his passing. His legacy as a passionate numismatist lives on, but the loss of such heritage weighs heavily on the hearts of those who understood its significance. Jesper Ericsson, curator of numismatics at the Hunterian Museum, described the stolen coins not just as valuable artifacts but as key elements of Scotland's historical narrative. "These coins represent the very earliest examples of independent Scottish coinage," he emphasized, highlighting their importance beyond mere monetary value.
Among the grieving family, Lady Stewartby expressed deep sentiments about her husband's dedication to the collection, which began when he was just five years old. "Lord Stewartby told me and our children these coins represented Scotland’s history at a time when few had access to books or pictures," she recalled. The passion her husband had for these pieces of history reflects their intrinsic value to Scotland's culture and identity.
Haunted by the theft, Crimestoppers Scotland relaunched its appeal last Wednesday for information, hoping the substantial reward might motivate those with knowledge to step forward. Initially, the organization offered £20,000, which was later bolstered by an anonymous donor to reach the current total of £50,000. This window for responses remains open until 27 February. Angela Parker, the national manager at Crimestoppers Scotland, has rallied the public for support, urging anyone with insight to come forward. “We want to know what happened to these coins and where they are. Any information would be welcomed,” she stated.
The police have classified the theft as targeted, leading to speculation about the involvement of individuals well-versed in numismatic circles. Coin dealers around Scotland were alerted after the theft; nonetheless, the coins have never been traced, and the case remains cold. Previous appeals made through various platforms, including the Crimewatch program, have borne little fruit over the years.
According to Ericsson, the coins might surprise onlookers at first glance. "You could fit 1,000 of them within the confines of a plastic takeaway container; they may look unremarkable but possess remarkable background. Historical inscriptions and portraits of kings may be worn down to almost nothing, heightening their mystery and desire for recovery," he explained.
The coins also symbolize Scotland’s monetary independence, serving as tangible links to the past. Their absence is felt broadly, as not only researchers and scholars but the Scottish nation as a whole mourns the loss of these artifacts which should be commemorated and studied by future generations. The Hunterian Museum, with 6,000 pieces from Lord Stewartby’s collection kept safe, yearns for the addition of the missing coins to complete the historical information they possess.
Broughton continues to rally behind the Stewartby appeal as more than just community members—they are custodians of Scotland’s rich history. The deal offered by Crimestoppers is hoping to spark conversations among coin collectors and owners worldwide, rekindling curiosity about the fate of the coins and their importance.
Despite the grim timeline since the theft, the hope remains strong within the community and the Stewartby family. Lady Stewartby’s voice rings heartfelt when she supports the Crimestoppers initiative, urging those privy to information to realize the importance of redistributing these coins back to where they rightfully belong. “They are of significant national importance,” she concluded, emphasizing the plea for their safe return.
With each passing day, the goal of recovery may seem ever more challenging, yet the determination of those invested remains steadfast. Compounded with the offer of the £50,000 reward and the widespread engagement, the community waits with bated breath, hoping for closure to the story of these lost treasures.
