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Golden Hare's Hunt: A £82K Treasure Returns
4 Nov
Summary
- An 18-carat gold hare, buried in 1979, sold for £82,550 in 2025.
- The hare was hidden using clues from the children's book Masquerade.
- The treasure hunt sparked international interest and lasted over two years.
In August 1979, British artist Kit Williams buried a jewel-encrusted 18-carat gold hare, a creation valued at approximately £5,000 at the time. Its location was concealed within the riddles and illustrations of his children's book, "Masquerade." This novel approach to a treasure hunt transformed the book into an international sensation, attracting millions of seekers.
The golden hare was eventually discovered in February 1982 in Ampthill Park, Bedfordshire, after a hunt lasting over two and a half years. However, controversy later emerged regarding whether the finder had truly solved the book's complex puzzle. The jewel's significant value and the mystery surrounding its discovery added to its allure.
More than four decades after its initial burial, the exquisite gold hare returned to Sotheby's London. It was sold on November 28, 2025, for £82,550 to a UK-based private collector. This sale marks a new chapter for the unique artifact, which first entered the auction market in 1988.
