The gold and silver items discovered in the Staffordshire Hoard back in 2009 in Staffordshire, England, can be traced back to the sixth and seventh centuries. (Image sourced from Wikipedia Commons; CC BY 2.0)
As a child, many of us fantasize about stumbling upon buried treasure left behind by pirates or ancient rulers. While these dreams may fade as we grow older, there is still a glimmer of hope for those who dare to seek adventure. Hidden treasures, or hoards, are constantly being unearthed all around the globe. Everyday people are still chancing upon troves of old coins, gold jewelry, and silverware, keeping the thrill of discovery alive and well.
Stumbling upon a hidden treasure trove has the potential to change someone’s life, bringing fortune to a metal-detecting enthusiast or a humble farmer. Not only does each find add to our understanding of local history, but it could also fulfill a childhood dream of uncovering buried treasure. Discover more about hoards, treasures, and how the thrill of finding hidden gems could still become a reality.
What exactly constitutes a treasure trove or hoard? These terms refer to collections of valuable items that have been hidden away, often underground, by individuals in the past. The items found in these hoards can range from precious metals and ceremonial artifacts to everyday coins. The reasons behind burying these treasures vary, with factors like political turmoil or the threat of war prompting the wealthy to safeguard their valuables. Usually, those who buried these treasures intended to return and retrieve them later. However, unforeseen circumstances such as warfare or untimely death could prevent them from doing so, leaving the hoard hidden until it is accidentally discovered. It’s worth noting that valuables found at gravesites or shipwrecks are not typically considered hoards.
Hidden treasures can be spotted all over the globe, but Great Britain and Ireland stand out for their impressive and renowned finds. The legal definition of treasure is quite significant, especially when it comes to coins and bullion. The amount of gold and silver present in an item, along with its age, determines whether it is considered treasure. The Treasure Act of 1996 regulates all discoveries in the UK, stating that any items over 300 years old with at least 10 percent gold or silver content are considered treasure. Even prehistoric discoveries can fall under this category, regardless of their metal makeup. It is crucial to report any findings to the local coroner within two weeks, as any treasure uncovered is automatically owned by the Crown. Failing to report a discovery can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment.
The next step involves the coroner conducting an investigation, known as an inquest, to determine if the items discovered can be classified as treasure. A panel of experts, called the Treasure Valuation Committee, closely examines the items. Their main task is to ascertain whether the find meets the criteria to be considered treasure, and then they determine its value. If the items are indeed classified as treasure under the law, the individual who found them (as well as the landowner) must offer them for sale to a museum. These regulations are in place to ensure that important national treasures are preserved in institutions where they can be studied, rather than being lost to private collectors. Overall, this system benefits everyone involved – knowledge is expanded, and those who uncover the treasure can earn a substantial sum from the sale.
Notable Hidden Treasures
The Legendary Broighter Gold
An ancient treasure known as the Broighter Gold hoard contains a stunning golden boat, along with other intricate pieces, like a torque and a bowl. Discovered in Northern Ireland in 1896 by farmers, these artifacts date back to the Iron Age, around the first century BCE. The craftsmanship of the Celtic artisans is showcased in the detailed metalwork of the jewelry found in this cache. The hoard is believed to have been a religious offering to a Celtic sea deity. Another noteworthy treasure is the Preslav Treasure.
Unearthed back in 1978 in Castana, Bulgaria, the Preslav Treasure is a remarkable collection of 170 Byzantine relics crafted from gold, silver, and bronze. These artifacts, some of which potentially hailing from as early as the 3rd century CE, were hidden away during the political chaos of the 10th century CE. Among the treasures within the cache is a magnificent golden necklace featuring a medallion depicting the Virgin Mary. Speculation suggests that this exquisite piece may have been a cherished wedding present from a Bulgarian Tsar to a Byzantine princess.
The Saddle Ridge Hoard, containing 1,427 gold coins, is the biggest stash of buried coins found in the United States. Unearthed in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains back in 2013, these coins are worth a whopping $10 million and date back to the late 1800s. Found in eight metal containers by lucky landowners out walking their dog, these coins were carefully inspected and valued by experts before being sold for a pretty penny on Amazon.
In 1992, a metal detector enthusiast stumbled upon the impressive Hoxne Hoard in Suffolk, England – a treasure trove of immense value. This discovery, considered one of the most significant in the UK, included a collection of Roman coins and various pieces of jewelry dating back to the fifth century, marking the Roman era’s conclusion in Britain. The coins are particularly beneficial for archaeologists, providing precise dating clues. It is believed that a wealthy family buried this chest, as it contained luxurious items like silver-gilt pepper pots, gold body jewelry, and intricately crafted animal figurines. Another remarkable find, the St Ninian’s Isle Treasure Trove offers a glimpse into the past.
The St Ninian’s Isle Treasure holds a sword hilt that is just one of many hidden gems discovered in Scotland. Unearthed in 1958, this collection of early medieval silver holds delicate jewelry pieces that continue to influence Scottish fashion. The penannular brooch, also known as the Celtic brooch, was used to fasten ancient garments and its design remains a classic element of Highland dress. Among the items found in the treasure was an elaborate sword pommel adorned with intricate Celtic patterns. Another remarkable find is the Staffordshire Hoard.
The Staffordshire Hoard, a remarkable collection of Anglo-Saxon treasures found in the UK, consists of thousands of gold and silver items adorned with garnet inlay. Unearthed in a plowed field back in 2009, these precious artifacts were carefully excavated by skilled archaeologists, giving historians a glimpse into life in 7th and 8th century Britain. The hoard, known for its exquisite craftsmanship, is believed to have been a ceremonial offering to honor a fallen warrior. In a similar vein, the Mildenhall Treasure Trove is another significant discovery showcasing the wealth and artistry of the Anglo-Saxon era.
Unearthed in 1942 in Suffolk, England, the impressive Mildenhall Treasure consists of a variety of Roman silverware showcasing intricate mythical designs. Initially met with doubts regarding its origin, further research has proven the existence of such lavish items in Roman territories. One standout piece is the Great Dish, adorned with an image of Bacchus, the god of wine. Interestingly, the individual who stumbled upon this treasure used the silver plates for special events before ultimately handing them over to those in authority.
The Ziwiye Hoard, also known as the Mildenhall Treasure, is a collection of Roman silverware discovered in Suffolk, England in 1942. This treasure trove includes platters, dishes, floors, and spoons featuring raised relief depictions of mythical scenes. Despite initial skepticism about its origin, subsequent findings have validated the existence of such extravagant items in Roman provinces. Among the notable pieces is the Great Dish, which showcases Bacchus, the god of wine. Interestingly, the individual who found these exquisite silver pieces used them for special occasions before eventually relinquishing them to the appropriate authorities.
The Ziwiye Hoard, a collection of ancient treasures discovered in Iran in 1947, is a testament to the cultural richness of the Near East. Despite the murky details surrounding its finding and the dispersion of many pieces into private collections, some items stand out as symbols of ancient Iran’s diversity in the 9th century BCE. Influenced by Assyrian, Scythian, and other regional styles, the hoard includes a remarkable gold rhyton shaped like a ram’s head—a regal drinking horn fit for royalty. Another noteworthy collection is The Spillings Hoard, showcasing more ancient artifacts waiting to be discovered.
Have you ever heard about Vikings hiding their treasure? In 1999, a Swedish hoard called the Spillings Hoard was uncovered, containing a vast amount of Viking silver. Among the treasures were numerous coins dating back to the early medieval period, with many of them originating from Islamic regions. This discovery, along with similar ones in Sweden, showcases the extensive trading networks that existed during that time. It’s fascinating to think that Viking treasure troves could hold coins from places as distant as North Africa and Central Asia.
Another remarkable treasure is The Treasure of Villena
The Treasury of Villena houses a collection of gold items that were hidden away long ago. Dating back to around 1000 BCE, these valuable treasures, including gold bowls, bottles, and bracelets, were buried along with iron. The intricate raised patterns on these gold artifacts showcase the impressive gold-working abilities that existed during prehistoric times.
Another notable discovery is the Panagyurishte Treasure Trove, which further highlights the long-standing practice of concealing valuable items.
The Panagyurishte Treasure, found in Bulgaria in 1949, consists of stunning Thracian gold artifacts. The Thracians were a group of ancient Indo-Europeans who resided in the Balkans and Anatolia. These valuable items were interred between the years 400 and 300 BCE. The Illiad references the Thracians, shedding light on their intriguing ancient culture. Explore more about their history here.
Have you ever dreamed of discovering a treasure trove like the one found in the Wonoboyo Hoard back in 1990 in Central Java, Indonesia? This collection of stunning 9th-century golden artifacts from the Medang Kingdom includes intricate jewelry and delicate bowls of extraordinary quality. These precious items, believed to have belonged to a member of the royal family, were unearthed from earthen jars. The craftsmanship of these relics is truly remarkable and suggests a level of skill and artistry that is rarely seen elsewhere. If you have a fascination for ancient treasures and exquisite gold work, be sure to explore the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Let your imagination run wild and dream of discovering your own fabulous treasure, just like you did as a child.
A tigress-shaped handle found in the Hoxne Hoard is showcased in a photograph taken by Mike Peel and shared on Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 4.0. If you’re into buried treasures, you might want to check out the $2 million treasure chest recently discovered in the Rocky Mountains. And don’t miss the armless sculpture which is considered one of the Louvre’s most cherished masterpieces. For some visually satisfying eye candy, explore the arrangements of hidden treasures plucked from Amsterdam’s river. Lastly, take a look at some intriguing family portraits that include treasured objects.
