Bronze Age gold torcs discovered by metal detectorists near Carlisle

Two amateur metal detectorists, Andy and Alan, discovered three solid gold torcs dating back to the Bronze Age near Carlisle, England. The artifacts, which date to approximately 1100 BCE, were found just a few centimeters beneath the soil during a metal detecting session held as part of a protest against a local infrastructure project.

The three torcs have a combined weight of 517 grams and are reported to be in remarkably good condition, which experts note is rare for jewelry of this age. The estimated market value of the find is approximately 400,000 USD (roughly 19 million Turkish Lira).

The find has been handed over to the British Museum for official examination. Under British law, the artifacts will undergo a process to determine if they qualify as “treasure.” If they are designated as such, any proceeds from a potential museum purchase would be shared between the finders and the landowner. If no buyer is found, the items may be returned to the finders to be sold at auction.