Two metal detecting hobbyists have unearthed a significant cache of Bronze Age gold bracelets, estimated to be worth around $400,000. The find, consisting of three gold torcs weighing a combined 18.27 ounces, was made near Carlisle, England, in May.
The artifacts date back to approximately 1100 B.C. Alan Daniels, 48, and Andy Crammond, 34, described the discovery as a once-in-a-lifetime event, noting they had previously found little of value during their years of detecting.
Crammond reported nearly having a heart attack upon finding the first bracelet just below the surface of freshly plowed soil. He alerted Daniels, who then found a second torc nearby. Daniels subsequently discovered a third bracelet about 20 feet away from the initial finds.
"Detectorists dream of these things and that is how it still feels, like a dream," Crammond stated. "We have never found anything valuable before and always come home disappointed — until now."
Daniels echoed the sentiment, telling BNPS that this was his first time finding a valuable item after several years of detecting with Crammond.
Initially, the outing seemed unproductive, with their only finds for the first two hours being discarded aluminum cans. The pair decided to switch fields, which led to the discovery.
The discovered torcs are currently being assessed by the British Museum. Under British law, a coroner will determine if the items officially qualify as treasure. If they are deemed treasure, a museum or institution may purchase them at market value, with the proceeds divided between the finders and the landowner. Should no buyer come forward, the torcs could be returned to Daniels and Crammond for sale at auction.
This find follows other notable discoveries made by metal detectorists in recent months. Earlier in the summer, a bronze sword dating back 2,700 years was found standing upright in northern Poland. In Australia, an unusual coin was discovered at an abandoned sports field by a detectorist exploring a former Gold Rush-era campsite.