They could be millionaires, but they were behind bars. And not for a short time. Everything for Valuable finding 3.8 million dollars which turned from luck to criminal conviction. A British law It is clear with ancient treasures: you must declare them.
Two Search systems of metals They decided not to do this, hid what they found and called Legal, historical and ethical conflict It grew without control. So, what began as an extraordinary fate in 2015, ultimately became a matter that was sitting on a bench behind a bench for her own ambitions.
Coins that can change the history of Anglo -Saxon
Before someone recognized something, they already visited experts on their own to evaluate how much they saved. The treasure had The origin of the Vikingsand his location indicated the movements of the Scandinavian army after its The defeat in Wiltshire In 878.
Was A pendant with a glass ball of the 5th century or VI, A solid ringA bracelet Snake -Form and More than 300 coins and Gerum silver. Most attracted the attention of coins from their rarity and their possible influence on British historiography.
Among them, some are very little known as Coins of two emperorswhich represented together Alfredo El Grande de WessexThe central figure in the resistance against the Vikings and the symbol of the English association, and Ceolwulf II from MerciaThe monarch, considered by some chronicles, such as the puppet under the control of the Vikings. According to one of the experts with whom he consulted the accused, only these works can claim more than $ 128,000 each.
The concealment was so obvious that even one of his accomplices was discovered
But the problem was not what they found, but what they did later. According to the rules of Great Britain, anyone who discovers a metal object with more than 300 years should Report the local corner For the maximum period, 14 days. They preferred to shut him up and continue their life.
It would be The first step of the long processWhich included writing an official report of a person responsible for the legacy, a legal investigation by ownership of the withdrawal and, finally, an economic assessment of the National Committee. If all requirements are met, discoveries can Get part of the total costThe field despite this George Powell And Leighton Davis They decided to miss all the phases and remain in the prey, not giving an explanation.
When the officer of the conclusions of Herefordshire, Peter RevilleHe began to ask questions after hearing he heard, Powell admitted that he had several items and delivered a gold bracelet and ingot. But he denied everything else. Soon after, another expert, with whom they consulted the accused, showed that he had five treasures hidden in the lining of his magnifying glass. It was a time when The authorities are ending And confirmed that it was Deliberate attempt.
The court was stunning. Powell received ten years of imprisonment. Davis, eight and a half years old. Paul Wells, an expert who helped to evaluate the works without informing the police, was also evaluated and waited. Another participated, the Simon Wicks coins, was sentenced to five years.
More than the money, which was lost, was a story
As explained Gareth WilliamsA specialist in the Vikings and Anglo -Baxs of the British Museum, the real damage is that Lost vital historical context“These people would be rich if they had done anything good. They preferred to act greed, and this destroyed an important part of our history. ”
Coins, in addition to their material value, contributed Important information About the political relations between the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia in the ninth century. The fact that they appear together in some currencies assumes that there was a short union between them, probably broke down shortly after Alfredo.
In addition, the opening place, not far from Leoinster, coincides with the movement of the Vikings army after its defeat in Wiltshire in 878. That is why archaeologists believe that this conclusion, along with another Anglo -Wax Treasure, found in the same area with various search engines, can change the understanding of that period.
Authorities They are still looking for the rest which were not restored. The story of not only two fans who ended up in prison for greed, but also history The head of the Middle Ages This can never be completely restored.
