Amateur metal detectorists uncover Bronze Age gold torcs valued at $400,000

In May, metal-detecting enthusiasts Alan Daniels and Andy Crammond uncovered three Bronze Age gold bracelets near Carlisle, England, after an initial two-hour search produced only bits of aluminum cans. Weighing a total of 18.27 ounces, the torcs are dated to around 1100 B.C. and have been appraised at roughly $400,000. The discoverers described the find as a lifelong dream, noting the gold showed no tarnish after three millennia underground.

The British Museum is currently evaluating the pieces, while a coroner will determine their legal status as treasure under British law. If declared treasure, a museum may purchase them at market value, with proceeds divided among the detectorists and the landowner; otherwise, the items could be auctioned. This find follows a series of notable metal-detecting discoveries worldwide this year.