Home / Science / Metal Detectors Unearth Record Treasure Trove
Metal Detectors Unearth Record Treasure Trove
20 Jan
Summary
- Public finds account for 94% of archaeological discoveries in 2024.
- A 1066 hoard of pennies linked to Harold II was a significant find.
- A rare Roman vehicle fitting was discovered by a metal detectorist.
2024 marked a record-breaking year for archaeological and treasure finds in Britain, with the highest number of discoveries ever recorded. Public reporting, largely driven by metal detectorists, accounted for 94% of all finds, a significant increase in recent years.
Among the exceptional discoveries was a hoard of 179 silver pennies, believed to have been buried in 1066 during a period of political turmoil. This find is particularly notable for containing coins solely from Harold II's reign. Another significant find was a complete copper-alloy Roman vehicle fitting, likely dating between AD43 and AD200, discovered by a detectorist in Essex. Such fittings are rare in Britain.
Early medieval precious metal objects, including a bird's-head terminal with ivory inlays and gold rings, were also uncovered in Wiltshire. These may have been part of a high-status burial and offer insights into elite lifestyles and international connections. The Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure process are vital for preserving these discoveries, ensuring they are studied and made accessible.
