One expert said the treasure would revolutionize understanding of the Anglo-Saxons, a Germanic people who ruled England from the 5th century until the Norman conquest in 1066. The relics are said to be among Britain's most valuable historic treasures. Michelle Brown, a professor of medieval manuscript studies, said the style of lettering on many of the relics dates back to the 7th or 8th century, and they are likely to be valued in millions of dollars. The gold items weighed about 11 pounds, and many were engraved with Bible verses or decorated with garnet stones. One expert said the treasures appear to have been a collection of war trophies.Īt least two Christian crosses and parts of a helmet were also discovered. Referred to as the 'Staffordshire Hoard,' the find consists mostly of items used in warfare, including 84 pommel caps and 71 sword hilt collars removed from swords and daggers, according to the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery. I dread to think what they'll say when they hear about this,' he said.

'My mates at the club always say if there is a gold coin in a field, I will be the one to find it. Herbert told the British newspaper The Independent that finding the historic artifacts was more fun than winning the lottery.

Experts said the number of items could rise to 1,500 when more relics are extracted from 56 mounds of dirt that were also removed from the site. Terry Herbert, 55, stumbled upon more than 1,345 gold and silver artifacts as he walked across a freshly plowed field with his metal detector in Staffordshire in early July.

A member of a British metal detecting club is being credited with finding the biggest cache of Anglo-Saxon relics ever discovered, experts in England revealed Thursday.

Where to farm for golden age relics