Metal Detectorist's Roman Brooch Hoax Exposed

Jason Price, a 54-year-old funeral director, has been sentenced for fabricating the discovery of an 1,800-year-old Roman horse brooch. He claimed to have unearthed the artifact in a Lincolnshire field in the summer of 2019, which brought him significant publicity and £5,000 from a museum. Price admitted purchasing the item online and subsequently passing it off as a genuine find, a deception that initially fooled experts and appeared on television.

Doubts about Price's other submissions to archaeological authorities began in February 2023. Subsequent tests by Historic England in February 2024 confirmed the 'Leasingham Horse Brooch' did not pre-date the 16th Century. Investigations revealed multiple items submitted by Price, including coins and figurines, were found to have modern materials or were planted, leading to four fraud charges.

Appearing at Lincoln Crown Court, Price received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, alongside community service and compensation to Lincolnshire County Council. His fraud led to significant time and resources being diverted from genuine archaeological work, shaking the confidence of finds liaison officers. Price's hobby reportedly became an obsession, and he has since repaid the £5,000.