Often seen as a leisurely hobby, metal detecting has led to some of the most significant archaeological discoveries. These finds have enriched the lives of those who found them and also provided insights into history. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable treasures and jewelry ever uncovered by detectorists.
Derrynaflan Hoard – $9.2 million (1986)
Unearthed in County Tipperary, Ireland, this 8th-9th century hoard includes a silver chalice, bronze strainer, and other priestly objects. It provides invaluable insights into early Christian Ireland. Michael Webb and his son Michael Jr found the hoard on a monastic site. They legally fought the Irish government over the finder’s compensation.
Newark Torc – $9 million (2017)
This intricate gold neck ring, found in 2005 near Newark-on-Trent, dates back to the Iron Age. Its craftsmanship is so exquisite that it’s considered one of the finest samples of Celtic metalwork ever discovered. The torc weighs almost 1kg and is made from gold wires twisted together to create a rope-like appearance.
Grouville Hoard – $5.77 million (2021)
Richard Miles and Reg Mead discovered this massive coin hoard on the island of Jersey in 2012. The hoard contains an estimated 70,000 coins dating back to 50 BC. It was found hidden in a mass of clay and silver. Although experts estimated £7 million to £14 million, the Jersey government settled for the current valuation.
Staffordshire Hoard – $4.81 million (2010)
The largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever discovered, this collection of over 4,500 items dates to the 7th century. It has revolutionized the understanding of Anglo-Saxon warfare and craftsmanship. Many of the items are related to warfare, including sword pommels and helmet cheek pieces. The hoard also contains several religious artifacts.
Crosby Garrett Helmet – $3.34 million (2010)
This ornate Roman cavalry helmet, found by an unidentified metal detectorist in Cumbria, England, dates to the late 2nd to 3rd century AD. The helmet depicts a youthful male face and an elaborate headpiece in the form of a griffin. It’s believed to have been used for cavalry sports events rather than in actual combat.
The Galloway Hoard – $2.67 million (2017)
Kept at the National Museum of Scotland, this collection of Viking-age treasures, discovered in Kirkcudbrightshire county in Dumfries and Galloway, includes rare silver bracelets, gold jewelry, and unique disc brooches. The hoard also contains textiles, which are extremely rare survivals from this period. It was found by Derek McLennan, a metal detectorist, and two other clergymen.
The Vale of York Hoard – $1.48 million (2009)
The Vale of York Hoard was discovered in January 2007 near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. David and Andrew Whelan unearthed this remarkable find, which consisted of 617 silver coins and various other items. It was valued at $1,480,000 when the British Museum and the York Museum Trust acquired it as a joint purchase.
Hand of Faith – Over $1 million (1981)
The Hand of Faith is the largest known gold nugget ever located with a metal detector. It was discovered in 1980 and weighs 875 troy ounces (27.2 kg). The finder, Kevin Hillier, was out detecting near Kingower, Victoria, Australia when he made the discovery. It is currently displayed at the Golden Nugget Casino in Vegas.
Gold Henry III Coin – $881,785 (2022)
In September 2021, a 52-year-old metal detectorist, Michael Leigh-Mallory, uncovered a rare gold Henry III penny in a field in England. This find is one of the most valuable single-coin finds in metal detecting history. Minted around 1257, it was part of England’s short-lived first gold coinage. The coin is one of only eight known examples.
Stirling Torcs – $676,697 (2010)
On his first outing with a metal detector, amateur metal detectorist David Booth discovered this fascinating hoard of four gold Iron Age torcs. Found in a field near Stirling, Scotland, the torcs date between 300 and 100 BC. Booth’s beginner’s luck turned into a significant contribution to Scottish archaeology.
Ringlemere Gold Cup – $520,000 (2002)
The finder, Cliff Bradshaw, an amateur metal detectorist, found this rare Bronze Age gold cup in a field near the village of Ringlemere in Kent, England. Dating back to about 1700-1500 BC, the cup is one of only two of its kind found in Britain. It is reasoned that the cup was offered to fulfill a vow.
Milton Keynes Hoard – $440,393 (2000)
Metal detectorists Gordon Heritage and Michael Rutland found this hoard of Roman gold jewelry near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The collection includes two necklaces, three bracelets, and other items dating around 1150-800 BC. The finders’ responsible reporting of the find allowed archaeologists to conduct a proper excavation and revealed more about the context of buried jewelry.
Mojave Nugget – $270,000 (2022)
The Mojave Nugget is one of the largest gold nuggets ever found in California. Discovered in 1977 by metal detectorist Ty Paulsen in the Stringer district of San Bernardino County, it weighs 156 troy ounces (4.9 kg) and is part of a collection donated to the National History Museum in Los Angeles County.
West Bagborough Hoard – Over $62,000 (2002)
Metal detectorist hobbyist James Hawkesworth from Bishops Lydeard discovered this hoard of Roman silver coins in a field near West Bagborough, Somerset. The hoard consists of 681 Roman coins dating from 337 to 365 AD. Hawkesworth’s find was declared a treasure and is now displayed at the Museum of Somerset.
Spillings Hoard – N/A
The Spillings Hoard, weighing about 148 pounds, was found in 1999 on the Swedish island of Gotland by archaeologists Jonas Ström and Professor Kenneth Jonsson. It is considered the world’s largest Viking silver treasure. The Hoard is now housed in the Gotland Museum and price speculation is at several million dollars.