A MEDIEVAL heraldic badge worn by a diplomat negotiating between Scottish and English forces during the reign of King Edward I was among the treasure trove artefacts unearthed in Scotland in the past year.

A hoard of coins used to bribe hostile clans after the Romans retreated from Scotland were also handed to the Crown.

There were 316 cases of historical items being handed over to the Treasure Trove Unit in 2012-13, up from 152 the previous year. The unit aims to ensure significant or important finds are kept for the nation and go on show in museums.

Among the other significant finds was the coin hoard of 219 denarii dated circa AD200. The Crown said the date of the deposition would suggest it might be connected with the bribing of the native population to which the Roman Empire resorted when it had withdrawn from Scotland. The coins have gone to the Scottish Borders Museum Service.

To read the complete article, see:Scotland coining in it out on the treasure trail(www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/scotland-coining-in-it-out-on-the-treasure-trail-1-3007664)