Most experienced detectorists will agree that certain finds resonate more deeply, especially when they can link a coin or artifact to a specific event—be it a battle, a significant era like a war, or, in rare instances, an individual.
Jean-Pierre Coulier, while detecting in Bulskamp, a small village near Veurne in Western Flanders—a region known for its abundance of World War I and World War II artifacts, particularly from the British Army—discovered a coin that raised more questions than answers.
Jean-Pierre is a member of the Metaalstrijd team, a group of enthusiastic metal detectorists, who brought their historical explorations into the community spotlight, with their activities being featured across five episodes by the local television station. Their searches frequently unearth artefacts from various periods, including medieval hammed silver coins and Roman fibulas, each discovery resonating with the echoes of ancient lives in that region.
Their expertise did not go unnoticed; last year, Professor Deckers from the University of Leuven enlisted the group in a fascinating project. The team was asked to assist in searching remnants of medieval drainage systems. This collaboration highlights not only the historical significance of their finds but also the potential of metal detecting to contribute substantially to archaeological and historical research.
On this particular day, the distinct signal from Jean-Pierre’s detector suggested a coin; however, the item unearthed was far more intriguing than a typical 10 centimes Dupuis…
For a detectorist with 10 years of experience, unearthing a 10 centimes Dupuis coin is a routine discovery, as for many detectorists across Europe who find common coins like the UK penny, German Pfennig, Italian Centesimo, or Belgian Centime; its strong signal response serves as a reminder of how these coins, once ubiquitous across Europe, now rest quietly beneath our feet as everyday relics of past commerce.
The 10 centimes Dupuis coin, minted from 1897 to 1921, offers a glimpse into France’s robust numismatic history. Named after Jean-Baptiste Daniel-Dupuis, the designer who won the competition to symbolize the French Republic, the coin features the classical profile of Marianne, representing liberty and reason. These durable copper-nickel coins were part of everyday French life during a period marked by economic stability following the tumultuous 19th century. While common in circulation due to their lengthy mintage period, certain years like 1915 are particularly prized by collectors for their rarity. The Dupuis coins were eventually phased out in favour of modern designs, but they remain a cherished relic of French history and a testament to the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Initially encrusted with over a century’s worth of mud, the coin Jean-Pierre discovered appeared to be a severely worn specimen. However, as he carefully removed the caked-on earth, lettering began to emerge that bore no resemblance to that of a typical French coin.
And this is where Jean-Pierre seeks the collective insight of ‘Detectorists World’ readers: Engraved on one side of the coin was the name of a British soldier, J. Notley. Below the name, the inscriptions ‘RAOC’ and ‘BFF’ were also etched.
Jean-Pierre explains, “I did some research knowing he served in the RAOC (Royal Army Ordnance Corps) – BFF.
I found a John William Nutley (service number 020188) who served with the RAOC. On the coin there is a hole where the letter W should be but, I am not certain.
This solder was born in 1876 in Newington-Kent and died in 1945 Hawkinge Kent. He entered service in 1914 and served his career in Egypt – in 1918 he got malaria and was send home in February’ 1919.”
Question: If John Nutley served with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in Egypt and returned home after the war in 1919, why were his name and details etched onto a French coin found in Belgium? Additionally, what could ‘BFF’ have stood for during the time of the First World War?
Jean-Pierre asks, “Could you help me solve this riddle?”
If anyone can shed light on this intriguing story, or if you have your own conundrum to be solved, please reach out to us at news@detectoristworld.com
