A treasure trove of Viking relics worth an estimated $3.8 million has led to serious legal consequences for two British metal detectorists. George Powell and Layton Davies, who stumbled upon the treasure in the fields of Herefordshire, are now facing jail time for their failure to report the find in accordance with British law.
A Thrilling Discovery Turns Into a Legal Nightmare
The discovery began innocently enough. Powell and Davies were conducting a routine treasure hunt using metal detectors when they unearthed a cache of priceless historical artifacts. The haul included gold jewelry—such as a chunky ring, a serpentine arm bracelet, and a crystal ball pendant—as well as 300 silver coins and ingots. Upon learning of the treasure’s historical significance and estimated value, the duo quickly realized they had struck gold—figuratively and literally.
However, British law strictly mandates that metal detectorists must report any findings that could be classified as “treasure,” which includes metal items older than 300 years. This legal requirement is designed to protect the nation’s heritage and ensure that significant discoveries are properly evaluated and conserved. Powell and Davies, however, chose to keep the treasure to themselves rather than follow the proper reporting procedures.
What They Found: A Rare and Valuable Collection
The treasure was not just valuable—it was historically significant. Among the haul, the most notable items were rare Anglo-Saxon coins, including “two emperor” coins depicting King Alfred of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia. These coins were valued at more than $128,000 each by one expert, with the entire hoard estimated to be worth around $3.8 million.
The “two emperor” coins are of particular interest to historians, as they provide rare evidence of an alliance between the two kings. The discovery suggests that the two rulers may have initially formed a pact, but the rarity of the coins implies that the agreement did not last long. The coins also offer a window into the political dynamics of the time, shedding light on the complex relationship between Wessex and Mercia during the Viking Age.
The Legal Consequences: Why They Didn’t Report the Find
After discovering the treasure, Powell and Davies visited several local experts to get an unofficial valuation of their haul. When they realized its immense worth, they made the decision to keep it hidden, likely hoping to avoid the lengthy and bureaucratic process that would follow reporting it to the authorities. According to British law, once a treasure is reported, a coroner’s inquest is held to verify its authenticity, and a Finds Liaison Officer assesses the find. If the treasure is deemed significant, the detectorist may receive a reward, but it can take months or even years to receive payment.
This process clearly did not appeal to Powell and Davies, who were unwilling to wait for the official procedures to unfold. They kept the treasure hidden, but their actions eventually led to their undoing. When an expert who had previously assessed the coins for the detectorists was questioned by police, it became clear that the men had not only failed to report the find but had attempted to keep parts of it concealed.
A Rare and Insightful Look into Viking and Anglo-Saxon History
The discovery, although marred by the legal complications, provides historians with a treasure trove of information about the Viking and Anglo-Saxon era. The location of the treasure near Leominster is also notable, as it suggests that part of the Viking army, which had used Ceolwulf II as a political pawn, may have been in the area following their defeat in Wiltshire in 878. Combined with another Anglo-Saxon treasure found nearby, this discovery is reshaping historians’ understanding of the period.
Gareth Williams, an expert on Anglo-Saxon and Viking history at the British Museum, noted, “The two hoards together are fundamentally changing our view of history. These coins are encouraging us to go back to the written sources and re-examine them.”
The Men Deny the Discovery, But Evidence Proves Otherwise
The story took a turn when Herefordshire Finds Liaison Officer Peter Reavill contacted Powell and Davies about a month after the discovery. In an initial conversation, Powell denied having any treasure, but eventually surrendered some of the gold jewelry and an ingot. However, when police found five coins from the hoard stitched into the magnifying glass case of an expert the men had visited, it became clear they were attempting to conceal the full extent of their find.
The discovery of the coins, along with the failure to report the treasure, has led to charges against Powell and Davies. As the case unfolds, the men face the serious consequences of their actions—potential jail time for breaking the law and failing to respect the regulations designed to preserve the nation’s heritage.
