Metal detector expert from Lancaster finds treasure in field in Cumbria
Image source, Jacob Purdie
- Author, Francesca Williams
- Role, BBC North East and Cumbria
A crushed piece of jewelry found in the mud and dug up in a field is over 400 years old and has been officially declared a treasure.
Jacob Purdie from Lancaster found the golden pinhead while metal detecting in a field in Burton-in-Kendal, Cumbria, last year.
The county coroner declared the treasure a treasure in December and is now awaiting his appraisal.
Mr Purdie, 30, said: “I put a lot of work into metal detecting. I take it very seriously and love building my collection.”
The shipping agent at Lancaster Docks was introduced to the hobby by a friend.
On his first attempt, he found “two balls and a button” and now goes out every day after work.
Last year, in quick succession, he discovered the filigree gold pinhead and a Quarter Noble – a rare hammered gold coin.
Image source, Jacob Purdie
Individual gold coins are not considered treasure, so Mr. Purdie paid the landowner half their value and kept them.
The pinhead is said to date back to the 16th century and, as it is made of gold and is over 300 years old, is considered treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.
Mr Purdie said when he saw it he knew immediately that it was very old.
“I just knew I had to declare it right away – I declared it that same day,” he said.
The Treasure Valuation Committee is currently examining the find to determine its value and museums have been notified should they wish to purchase the find.
Image source, Jacob Purdie
Mr Purdie said the pinhead was a “rare find” but his motive was not money.
“It’s just the story – I live for it,” he said.
His mother is also interested in the history, but his father is always curious and wants to know the value, he said.
“It makes absolutely no difference to me how much things are worth.
“If I ever need the money, I certainly won’t sell my collection.”
Image source, Jacob Purdie
What to do with old finds:
- Find out if it could be a treasure
- Report potential treasure to the local coroner within 14 days of finding it or determining that it may be treasure.
- Other items can be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
- An investigation will determine whether it is a treasure and then an expert will determine the value
- Museums will be notified if they wish to purchase it
- If this is the case, the finder and the property owner share the payment equally, but the finder must have had permission to search.
- If it is not purchased, the finder keeps it and can sell it privately
