Two metal detectorists made an incredible discovery of three Bronze Age gold bracelets near Carlisle, England. The find is valued at about $400,000, according to the Bournemouth News and Picture Service (BNPS). Alan Daniels, 48, and Andy Crammond, 34, unearthed the bracelets, also known as torcs, in May.
Images display the torcs in excellent condition, dating back to around 1100 B.C. They weigh a total of 18.27 ounces, approximately 1.14 pounds.
“Gold doesn’t tarnish at all, and they came out of the ground just the same as when they went in over 3,000 years ago,” said Daniels.
The discovery happened a few inches below freshly plowed soil, causing excitement among the finders. Crammond humorously remarked about nearly having a heart attack upon finding the first piece and immediately informed Daniels. Shortly after, Daniels found the second bracelet. About 20 feet away, he located the third torc.
Crammond expressed the overwhelming feeling of realizing a metal detectorist’s dream, noting their previous lack of valuable finds.
“We have never found anything valuable before and always come home disappointed — until now,” Crammond shared.
The British Museum is currently assessing the torcs. Under British law, a coroner will determine if they qualify as treasure. If declared treasure, museums may purchase them, with proceeds shared among the detectorists and the landowner. If not, the finders might sell them at auction.
The world of metal detecting has recently seen other remarkable finds. Earlier this summer, a detectorist unearthed a 2,700-year-old bronze sword in Poland. Additionally, an unusual coin was discovered at a former Gold Rush-era campsite in Australia.
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