The Ken Toyne Collection of British Iron Age Coins

Ken Toyne

Ken Toyne, born in Grimsby in 1931, left school at the age of 14 to begin an apprenticeship at his father’s bricklaying
firm in Scunthorpe. He was selected for National Service in the Signals and was thoroughly disappointed that his service did not include any overseas travel. After his service he returned to the bricklaying trade, a career which he was to continue for the rest of his working life, finding employment in the Caistor and Market Rasen areas of Lincolnshire on private building work.

In his 30’s Ken became interested in field walking and bought his first metal detector. He knew a number of landowners in Lincolnshire, which allowed for easy detecting permissions. In time he came to build a small but rather close network of friends within the detecting community, including , amongst others, Henry Mossop, Hilda Sands and Michael O’Bee. Together they would meet to discuss finds, share tales and swap pieces (with Mossop always keen to see the latest British Iron Age finds). As part of the same group he was invited to participate in Channel 4’s Time Team and greatly enjoyed meeting Tony Robinson. In his 60’s Ken developed a deeper interest in British Iron Age coins, and supplement those pieces which he had found with purchases from other detecorists and dealers. Nevertheless, the item that gave Ken the most joy was the Horse and Rider statue which he found at Lissington in 2006.

Ken met and married his wife Pat in 1964 and they went on to welcome 3 children into their family, their home always remained in Lincolnshire. Ken and Pat enjoyed a number of holidays throughout Europe and America. Sicily was a particular favourite spot for Ken with its numerous Roman sites. Having reached the age of 91 Ken died last year after a short illness.