A hobby metal detectorist out walking in Norway has discovered a spectacular treasure trove of gold jewelry, dating back to 500 A.D.
Erlend Bore, 51, had only just bought a metal detector after his doctor told him to get more exercise. He was out casually searching farmland, without much success, when instinct told him to explore slightly farther afield.
Digging in the ground, the Norwegian produced a clutch of what appeared to be gold coins, nestled in a clump of earth. Holding the find in his hands, at first he thought they were “chocolate coins or plastic pirate treasure.”
“It was surreal,” he said.
Mr. Bore’s exhilaration was matched by that of the archaeologists he immediately informed. The amazing discovery took place on the island of Rennesøy, located within Stavanger municipality, and the metal detectorist contacted local county officials.
Upon closer inspection, it was clear that the nine gold pendants with “rare horse symbols” engraved on them and 10 shimmering gold pearls would have formed an opulent necklace. There were also three gold rings—and all dated from the 6th century, according to the press release.
The head of the Cultural Heritage Department in Rogaland County Municipality, Marianne Enoksen, called it “an entirely unique find,“ adding that none of the archaeologists in the county have ever ”experienced anything like this.”
Dating to around 500 A.D., the elaborate coin-like pendants—which make up the complete necklace along with the beads—are known as “bracteates,” and are typical of the period. According to experts at the museum, they were crafted by “skilled goldsmiths” and would have been worn only by “the most powerful individuals” in society.
“The numerous abandoned farms in Rogaland from this era suggest that the crisis hit this region particularly hard,” Mr. Reiersen said. “Based on the location of the discovery and findings from similar contexts, these were most likely either hidden valuables or offerings to the gods during that dramatic time.”
Weighing just over 100 grams (approx. 3.5 ounces), the monetary value of the gold remains high even by today’s standards. Ms. Enoksen commended Mr. Bore for doing the right thing when he made his extraordinary discovery.
“He marked the find location and stopped searching immediately. He contacted us, and we informed the Museum of Archaeology. This allowed us to return to the discovery site shortly after to conduct further investigations,” she said.
Happily for Mr. Bore, the law also states that finders of “loose cultural artefacts” are allowed a finder’s fee, to be divided equally with the landowner, though the final sum has not yet been decided, the press release stated.
