32 massive hoard opened by centuries-old metal detectors

Humans have been burying artifacts for thousands of years. They have been buried for many reasons, including religious sacrifices to gods or protection against invading armies. These plaques can be located using metal detectors, and hobbyists have taken a particular interest in using them.

These are 32 plaques that were detected by metal detector users. Houshi drew most of the conclusions. A large proportion of the hoards come from Britain, where amateur metal detectors are allowed to use the equipment and the Portable Antiquities Scheme catalogs their findings.

Baddow hoard

In 2020, the Baddow Treasure was discovered by a metal detector near the English town of Great Baddow. It contains 933 coins, most of them gold, and dating back to before the Romans took over England, about 2,100 years ago. A copper-alloy ring, pieces of red glass and a copper-alloy letter are also found in this plaque. Based on preliminary analysis, a large number of coins were minted in the northern Thames area between 60 and 20 BC. Why the cistern was buried is unknown.

Snettisham hoard

On the east coast of England is the settlement of Snetisham where the treasure commonly known as the Snetisham Treasure was discovered. The plaque has an extraordinary past. It was first discovered in 1948 and contains hundreds of objects such as torques, coins and ingots. In 1990, it is believed to have been completely excavated. But between 2000 and 2010, additional treasure remains, including 20 gold and silver torques, were discovered by metal detectors.

Antsy hoard

The Antsey plaque gets its name from the English town of Antsey, where a metal detector discovered it in a field. It contains 234 silver pieces, the most recent of which date from the reign of Charles I (1625-1649). During his reign there was a civil war in Britain between the King and the followers of Parliament. Ultimately, Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces prevailed and Charles I was killed. During this period, it was thought that the plaque was buried in the hope that it might be found later.

Hallaton treasure

Hallaton’s Treasure was discovered in 2000 by a metal detector near the English village of Hallaton. They include many animal bones, fragments of brooches, military helmets made of silver-gilt iron and more than 2,500 coins. The items date back to when the Romans occupied England around 2,000 years ago. Perhaps in connection with the takeover, the plaque was buried due to religious beliefs.

Bourne Valley hoard

In the Bourne Valley, near Salisbury, metal detectors uncovered a hoard of 1,800 Roman coins in 2018. All these coins were in Roman Greyware jars. The majority of coins from the mid to late third century AD are known today by researchers as “radiates”, so called because of the type of crowns worn by Roman emperors on the coins. The later coins in this series are made of copper, indicating the declining value of money in this area. The old coins in the plaque are silver.

Spillings hoard

Metal detectorists discovered a giant Viking trove in 1999 on the Swedish island of Gotland. The discovery was made while filming the documentary. Known as the Spilling plaque after the field where it was discovered, it is composed of 44 pounds (20 kg) of bronze and about 148 pounds (67 kg) of silver. These items include many coins, rings, bracelets, bangles and rings. The plaque dates back to when the Vikings were a powerful force in the area about 1,100 years ago. Why the cistern was buried is unknown.

Vale of Pewsey hoard

Metal detectors in the Vale of Pewsey, approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of London, found around 160 coins in the Pewsey plaque discovered in 2020, some 1,600 years old. A significant portion of the coins date to the reign of the Roman emperor Theodosius I (379-395), while a smaller number date to the reign of Honorius. The Roman Empire was in decline at this time and Britain would finally be abandoned in 410. Although the plaque’s burial purpose is unknown, it may have something to do with Britain’s security concerns after the Roman Empire abandoned the island.

Pewter vessel hoard

Many people associate the word “plaqueing” with large amounts of coins and jewelry made of precious metals. Still, other hoards include more modest artifacts. An example was found by metal detectors in Suffolk, England in 2022 near the Euston Estate. 13 pewter pieces from when the Romans ruled Britain around 1,700 years ago make up the collection. Although the purpose of the slab’s burial is unknown, it is conceivable that someone wished to offer a sacred sacrifice and perhaps in conjunction with a feast, using some of the resources they had.

Gold coins in Israel

The term “metal detectorist” is often used to describe hobbyists who use metal detectors to find ancient artifacts. But scientists also use them from time to time. After reports of coins found by scuba divers near the ancient city of Caesarea, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority hired a metal detector to help study the region. In the end, they found about 2,000 gold coins in perfect shape. These coins, probably from shipwrecks, date to the reign of the Fatimid Caliphate, about 1,000 years ago.

Staffordshire hoard

In 2009 the Staffordshire plaque was discovered by a metal detector near Lichfield in Staffordshire, England. Stoke-on-Trent Museums claim that the plaque, which dates back to the seventh century, is the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver work ever discovered. Most of the loot is made up of armor and weapons, one of which is an elaborate helmet that may have belonged to an emperor or other senior figure. The plaque contains large amounts of twisted or mutilated objects that may have been forcibly removed by someone. It is possible that this gold was buried as a gift to the gods.

Watlington hoard

In 2015, the Watlington Treasure was discovered by metal detectorists around the English town of Watlington, about 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Oxford. According to the Ashmolean Museum, it contains more than 200 coins, seven pieces of jewelery and fifteen bars of silver. Most of the objects in the collection date to the reigns of Ceolwulf II, ruler of Mercia from 874 to 879, and Alfred the Great, ruler of Wessex from 871 to 899. This is why this treasure is remarkable. During the Viking invasion of England, these rulers assumed power. Thirteen coins show two kings sitting next to each other, signifying that they have formed an alliance.

Iron Age torques

According to National Museum Scotland, four torques (gold neck ornaments) that date between 300 and 100 BC. Found by an amateur metal detectorist in September 2009 in a field near Stirling, Scotland. Twisted gold ribbons are used to form two torques, an unusual but common design in Scotland and Ireland. One torque seems to combine several European methods, while the other takes the shape of a richly decorated tube, a style common in southwestern France. Finds suggest that throughout that period influences and artefacts were traveling from as far away as Europe to Scotland.

Medieval coin hoard

In 2023, metal detectorists found a plaque of twenty-four medieval coins in the vicinity of Castlemorton, England. A significant portion of the coinage is made of silver, with the earliest minted in the reign of Henry III (1216–1272) and the most recent minted in the reign of Henry V (1413–1422). The reason for burying the plaque is unknown. At the Battle of Agincourt, Henry V. defeated the French, although the conflict took place in France, not England.

Winchester hoard

According to the British Museum’s description on Google Arts & Culture, the Winchester Trove, discovered by a metal detector in 2000 in a field near Winchester, England, contains 2.5 pounds (1,160 grams) of gold jewelry. There appear to be two sets of gold jewellery, each consisting of a chain, bangles, brooches and torques. It is plausible that a male and a female set were created separately. This plaque is believed to have been created between 25 and 75 BC. It may have been buried as a religious offering or for safety, but the reason for its burial is unknown.

Grouville hoard

According to Jersey Heritage, two metal detectorists on the British island of Jersey in the English Channel found about 69,000 coins buried along with gold torques, silver bracelets, rings and glass beads in 2012. The 2,100-year-old treasure, also known as Le Câtillon II or the Grouville trove, is named after him. It is not yet clear who buried him and why. According to the researchers, when the treasure was buried, high-quality coins and jewelry were placed first, followed by low-quality coins.

Galloway hoard

In Balmaghee, Scotland, a metal detector found the Galloway plaque in 2014. It is composed of many elaborate objects and about 11 pounds (5 kg) of silver bullion, or silver pieces. The objects include a bird-shaped brooch made of gold, a silver necklace and a silver dish engraved with Zoroastrian symbols, a tiger and a leopard. This particular vessel likely originated in Central Asia.

Dunscore hoard

Medieval treasure was discovered in 2022 by metal detectors in a field near the Scottish community of Dunscore. More than 8,400 pieces of silver from the Middle Ages, mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries, are found in the Dunscore plaque. A large number of coins bear the moniker “Edwardian pennies” to honor King Edward I (shown above), who ruled England from 1272 to 1307. After conquering Scotland in 1296, Edward I became known as the “Hammer of the Scots”. Why the cistern was buried is unknown.

Norway Viking hoard

A metal detector in Norway found a 1,100-year-old treasure in 2021. 46 pieces of silver, two rings, remnants of Arabic coins and fragments of silver bracelets were all found in the treasure. Silver pieces from the treasury were worth more than half a cow at the time as they were occasionally used for exchange in Norway. Although the reason for the burial of the plaque is not known, it may have been a sacrifice to the gods.

Spring hoard in Wales

On a Welsh island, a metal detector found a plaque of antiquities in 2020. In addition to chariot and cavalry paraphernalia, four coins, a decorative brooch, the remains of a harness, and a 45-pound (20 kg) Roman copper nearly 2,000-year-old object include an ingot that may have come from smelting at a nearby mine. Often, a religious event involved the placement of objects near the spring.

Papowo Biskupie hoard

In 2023, a hoard of bronze objects was discovered by metal detectors in a dried-up lake bed near Papów Biskupie in north-central Poland. The artifacts, dating from about 1200 to 450 BC, include more than 550 pieces of bronze jewelry, including hand ornaments, pendants, and necklaces. At the site, they also found the bones of 33 skeletons, most likely victims of human sacrifice. According to radiocarbon dating, a large number of skeletons are older than the hoard. These artefacts indicate that human sacrifices were performed at this site in the past, but metal objects were eventually used in their place.

Migration period hoard in Norway

In 2023, a metal detector found a treasure trove of gold artifacts in Norway. It consists of three gold rings, ten small gold balls resembling pearls and nine pendants associated with horses. It is possible that the gold spheres were originally attached to the pendant. The total weight of the hoard is about 3.5 ounces (100 grams). It was built in 500 AD, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, who hid the treasure and why remains a mystery.

West Norfolk hoard

The British Museum announced in 2021 that they had discovered an Anglo-Saxon treasure in West Norfolk. It contains two pieces of jewellery, a pendant and 131 coins, many of them gold. At least two metal detectors working independently found the cache. Most of the coins are small gold pieces known as “Frankish tremises”, minted by the Frankish monarchy, which had its capital in modern France. Around 600 AD due to uncertain factors.

Switzerland Bronze Age hoard

In 2023, a treasure trove of Bronze Age jewelry is found by a metal detector in a northern Swiss farmer’s field. Finds include more than a hundred small, pinhead-shaped amber beads, two finger rings with spiral patterns, and a necklace with fourteen spiked copper discs. Despite the fact that the artifacts date back to around 1500 B.C., it is unclear why the treasure was buried. Nearby, no human remains have been found. The cache can be originally buried in a compostable bag or other organic container.

Danish hoard mentioning Odin

A Danish metal detector in 2021 found a collection of gold objects dating back to around 1,500 years ago. The treasure included 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of gold and bracteates, which are saucer-shaped medallions. Additionally, there are ornaments cast from Roman coins. The most notable find was a gold necklace with an inscription that is the first recorded reference to the Norse god Odin. Subsequent archaeological research revealed that the treasure was buried in a longhouse, perhaps after the death of a chief or emperor.

Broads hoard

In 2017, a pair of metal detectors discovered a 2,000-year-old hoard of gold coins. The physical region known as the Broads, a system of rivers and lakes that run through the English countryside, is where the plaque takes its name. It is composed of eleven coins, some of which bear images of the Roman emperor Augustus, who ruled the Roman Empire alone from 30 BC. By 14 AD it is possible that the treasure was buried for safety or for religious purposes.

Iron Age weapon hoard from Germany

One of the largest Iron Age weapons recovered in West Germany was discovered by a metal detector in 2021. The 2,200-year-old hoard has uncovered about 150 items, including 40 spears and lancehead tips, swords, horse gear and shield fragments. A large number of firearms were deliberately diverted. These weapons likely belonged to defeated opponents and were carried around by the victors to represent their victory.

Derrynaflan hoard

The Derrynaflan Hoard was discovered by a metal detector in 1980 at the site of a monastery in Derrynaflan, Ireland. It is believed to be around 1,100 years old. The National Museum of Ireland says the treasure is made up of altar pieces, the most famous of which is the Derrynaflan Chalice, which is decorated with gold filigree and made of silver. It is possible that the treasure was buried to protect goods from Viking raids, which were common in the area.

Bedale hoard

The Bedale hoard, discovered by metal detectors near the northern English town of Bedale in 2012, contained 29 silver rings, a silver ring, a silver neck band and a gold sword pommel, Yorkshire Museum said. It was built around 1,100 years ago, at a time when the Vikings were raiding and waging war in the area. Vikings may have buried treasure to preserve artifacts or for religious purposes. The hoard may contain the goods they have taken.

Burton hoard

In a field near Burton, Wales, three metal detectorists discovered a 3,200-year-old treasure in 2004. Currently referred to as the Burton Treasure, it consists of fourteen pieces of gold jewellery, such as bangles, pendants, beads and rings. To Amgueddfa Cymru, a collection of seven institutions in Wales. In addition, two bronze palastes—a type of ax—were found in the cache. It is unknown who owned the hoard and why it was buried.

Swiss Roman hoard

In 2021, a metal detector in northern Switzerland found an earthen container containing about 1,290 coins from the 4th century AD. There was a piece of gourd in the earthen pot which halved the coins. It is not known why this tribe split in this way. A small number of coins are silver, but most are copper. All coins were struck during the reign of Emperor Constantine I between 306 and 337 AD. Why the cistern was buried is unknown.

Frome hoard

The 2010 discovery of the Frome hoard is named after the English town of Frome, which is near the hoard’s location. According to the Frome Museum, it is made up of over 50,000 Roman coins that were found in ceramic jars. Pebble coins originate from a period of intense civil unrest in the Roman Empire, c. From 253 to 293. The coins feature images of 25 different Roman emperors.

Baldock hoard

In 2002 a metal detector discovered the Baldock Trove, sometimes called the Ashwell Hoard, in the English town of Baldock. According to the Ashwell Museum, it is composed of at least 27 gold and silver artifacts dating back at least 1,700 years. the old It consists of silver and gold plaques, gold ornaments and a silver figure of a woman. Inscriptions on some plaques refer to an unknown deity, Senuna. It is possible that she was a water deity named for a place known in ancient texts as the “Senuna River”. It is unclear which contemporary river the Senua River refers to.