An amateur treasure hunter who took up the hobby to help his wife was stunned after finding a rare 700-year-old gold brooch.
Metal detectorist Terry Beard unearthed the 13th century jewellery which has now been declared treasure.
The surveyor only took up the hobby three years ago and was delighted with the find.
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It happened near Torksey, west of Skegness, Lincs.
He said: “About three years ago I found myself stepping into the world of metal detecting.
“Although not in the way most people might expect.”
He told What’s The Jam: “At first I only tagged along with my wife, mainly to dig the holes for her signals.
“Little did I know, what began as a bit of company for her would grow into a hobby that not only fuels my passion for history.
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“But has also had a deeply positive effect on my mental health.
“I was working a wide stubble field and, as usual, had a pouch filling with bits of lead, musket balls and the odd modern coin.
“Just before lunchtime I started heading back to the car when I got a strong signal.
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“I dug down about seven inches, switched on my new pin pointer, and it started screaming.
“I’ll admit, I was convinced it would be yet another lump of lead.
“But when the soil crumbled away, I saw it; a gold annular brooch glinting back at me.”
Later research revealed the brooch once held five gemstones in its mounts, each surrounded by tiny pellet decorations that resemble little acorns.
Even the pin carries delicate detailing.
The Finds Liaison Officer confirmed it likely dates back to the 13th century.
It has been officially declared treasure and is now progressing through the coroner’s process for valuation.
Terry made the find on 31 August.
He added: “Holding that piece of medieval craftsmanship, untouched for over 700 years, was an indescribable feeling that deepened my love of both the hobby and history itself.
“It’s without doubt the best thing I’ve found.
“It’s rare.
“Bronze and silver ones are known but not solid gold ones like this.
“I don’t know how much it’s worth but it is the find of a lifetime.
“For me the hobby is about the peace of the countryside, the anticipation of each signal, and the sense of community among detectorists.”
A spokesperson for metal detector supplier Regton said: “Finding that 13th-century gold annular brooch stands out as Terence’s most significant discovery so far.
“But even without it the hobby has given him so much; history at his fingertips, peace of mind, and friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
“And at Regton we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
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