A HOARD of rare Celtic gold coins which date from before the Roman invasion is set to go on view at Chelmsford Museum today. Found near Great Waltham in 1999, the 23 coins were minted by local tribe kings Dubnovellaunus and Cunobelin , who controlled a large part of the southeast from their capital in Colchester, and date from the late first century BC and early first century AD.

A HOARD of rare Celtic gold coins which date from before the Roman invasion is set to go on view at Chelmsford Museum today.

Found near Great Waltham in 1999, the 23 coins were minted by local tribe kings Dubnovellaunus and Cunobelin , who controlled a large part of the southeast from their capital in Colchester, and date from the late first century BC and early first century AD.

Chelmsford Museum raised £12,000 to pay for the ancient treasures, found by Greg Newitt from Southend, receiving contributions from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Resource/V & A Purchase Fund, Chelmsford Borough Council, the Friends of Chelmsford Museums and the Essex Numismatic Society.

Nick Wickenden, Chelmsford Borough Council's museums officer, said: "It is a very exciting find as the coins double the number of previously known coins of this type in Britain and cast new light on the skills and artistry of the Celts before the Roman invasion.

"They are in very good condition and on one side is the word CAMV, an abbreviation of Camulodunum, the Celtic name for Colchester."

He added that the museum was very grateful for all financial support received, especially the £5,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The coins are part of The Story of Chelmsford exhibition, which includes displays on social and natural history as well as decorative arts and a live beehive.

Admission is free and the museum at Oaklands House, off Moulsham Street is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and on Sunday afternoon.