What Did He Find?
The man, Jonathan Needham, found a small object just 13 centimeters in length called a cloak fastener. In ancient Europe, cloak fasteners were thought to have origins in Celtic tradition before they spread to the surrounding Saxon, Viking, and Roman people.
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They were used to attach a long cloak that could be worn over typical indoor clothing to provide protection for the wearer against the elements. These cloaks were typically attached at the neck or shoulder.
Needham Euphoric at Discovery
Needham described the moment when he realized just how valuable what he found was.
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”This is way beyond even my wildest dreams. It’s incredible. We were in the car when we realised how valuable it was,” he told the Daily Mail. “We were yelling and punching the air – people must have thought we were completely crazy. At home, we did a bit of research and knew it was real treasure. We sat there in pure disbelief.”
Winning the Lottery
His euphoria at the discovery didn’t wear off quickly. Long into the night, he describes his difficulty sleeping. “I didn’t sleep a wink that night. I knew it was mega special and I couldn’t stop looking at it. This is truly a one-in-a-billion find – I had a much higher chance of winning the lottery,” he said.
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His statement may sound hyperbolic, but it is true. The National Lottery in the UK produces 39 million winners every month. (via Camelot Group)
He Didn’t Think Much at First
When he first pulled the treasure out of the ground, he didn’t have high hopes for it. The Daily Mail reported that he thought it was just a faded aluminum drawer handle.
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Despite not initially realizing the value of the item, he posted a photo of it online. Soon, people began messaging him and he realized he had something special on his hands.
Sent to a Museum
After discovering the item, Needham made haste to send it to the Derby Museum to have it looked at and to eventually sell it.
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However, the cloak fastener was transferred to the British Museum in London, where it is predicted to sell for a large amount of money. Since Neeham found it on someone else’s land, the proceeds will likely be split between him and the landowner.
Stroke of Coincidence
Needham was struck by the irony of finding a valuable golden treasure on the same day that Charles III was coronated as King. “It’s so ironic that I found a King’s gold on the day Charles III was being crowned,” he said.
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His find also earned him a trip to the British Museum in London where he got to see it displayed alongside other famous historical artifacts.
Something to Dream For
Needham told the Daily Mail how he felt seeing the artifact he found being displayed in a museum for future generations to see.
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“I went to see it in the British Museum and it was displayed with loads of famous artefacts like the Sutton Hoo helmet. It was simply unreal to see it there,” he said. “If I get to see my name on a plaque in a museum that will be the making of me – it’s something you dream of.”
A Passion for Treasure Hunting
Needham is an avowed treasure-hunting enthusiast and hobbyist. He found his passion for treasure hunting decades ago after watching other people’s success on television programs.
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He also has an interest in ancient history, which he had while practicing his hobby as an amateur metal detectorist. He likes watching “Detectorists,” a long-running BBC sitcom that follows the adventures of two eccentric people who search for valuable objects with the help of metal detectors.
Support from His Friends and Family Was Instrumental
While Neeham was the one who found the item, he had help along the way. The metal detector he used for the find was gifted to him by his wife. He also had help from his friend Malcolm Baggaley, who pushed him to realize the value of what he found.
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Baggaley also helped him learn how to use his machine and would go on twice-weekly treasure-hunting expeditions with him.
Its Value Was "Frightening"
“People immediately recognised it as very valuable and we took the picture down because it was actually very frightening,” Needham said. “I didn’t like having something that valuable in the house overnight. But I was elated at the same time.”
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It’s easy to imagine the stress of just having sent out photographic proof you have such a valuable treasure. Needham was keen to get it out of his hands and into those of a museum.
A Story of Love, Friendship, and Gold
Needham told the Daily Mail his intrigue about the item he found. “It’s really intriguing that we will never know its whole story. It’s a real story of love, friendship, and gold – it’s truly remarkable,” he said.
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While Needham was speaking about the golden cloak fastener, his sentiments could also somewhat describe his own story. He had the help of his wife and friends to discover that golden item in a “one-in-a-billion” find that coincided with a king’s coronation.