Metal detectorist finds 800-year-old medieval gold brooch worth up to £100,000 in farmland

A METAL detectorist found an 800-year-old gold brooch worth up to £100,000. David Edwards, 44, detected the emerald-encrusted object buried 4in down on farmland. The 24-carat gold brooch, with an intricate sword-shaped pin, is less than an inch wide and weighs just 4g. It is thought to have belonged to a medieval nobleman. Architectural technician […]

A METAL detectorist found an 800-year-old gold brooch worth up to £100,000.

David Edwards, 44, detected the emerald-encrusted object buried 4in down on farmland.

BNPS

David Edwards detected the emerald-encrusted object buried 4in down on farmland[/caption]

BNPS

It is thought to have belonged to a medieval nobleman[/caption]

The 24-carat gold brooch, with an intricate sword-shaped pin, is less than an inch wide and weighs just 4g.

It is thought to have belonged to a medieval nobleman.

Architectural technician David said: “I was excited and started shaking. I was afraid to clean it there because I could see how delicate it was.

“I’ve stumbled across silver brooches in a similar style before, which is rare in itself, but I’ve never seen anything like this.

“To find one made of gold and with such a beautiful stone is really special.”

The dad of two, of Cardigan, Ceredigion, found the annular turreted brooch while on a one-hour treasure hunt after work in October.

Experts say it will sell for at least £10,000 but could make £100,000.

A coroner will decide if it should be sold to a museum. Proceeds will be split with the landowner.