An old piggy bank found by a metal detector on the Isle of Man has been declared a treasure trove by authorities, containing many ancient coins and Viking artifacts from 1,000 years ago.
According to Daily Mail, with a metal detector, former police officer Kath Giles tried her luck in a field – a method that many amateur archeology enthusiasts often use in the hope of catching an artifact. She really “won the trick” when she found a strangely shaped piggy bank, inside were many coins and 13 silver rings.
The treasure is being carefully placed into preservation boxes – Photo: Manx National Heritage
She asked archaeologists to evaluate what she had just discovered and was judged by the Douglas Court to be a treasure.
According to BBC, the above ancient coins were minted in England, Dublin (Ireland), Germany and the Isle of Man in the years 1000-1035 AD. There are a total of 87 coins in the piggy bank. 13 silver rings were also used as money, with identical sizes and weights.
According to archaeologist Alisson Fox from the Manx National Heritage Association, this treasure not only contains valuable evidence about the legendary Vikings, but also retains a lot of data about the history of ancient trade in Europe.
The money seems to have been “piggybacked” by someone, then buried carefully. There was no other evidence around to indicate why the owner did not return after burying the money.
The treasure will be displayed at the Manx Museum in the near future, then brought to London for valuation. The Manx National Heritage Act will ensure the discoverer receives major benefits from the treasure.
