Just being reported today out of the UK, we find an unemployed gentleman who on July 5, went to his friend's farm to use his metal detector and see what he could find, along the merry way. Terry Herbert, 55, unearthed the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. He worked the area for about five days before he realized he needed someone professional to come out to the farm. He said during those five days all he saw in his dreams was gold, gold, gold!

On the fifth day he reported his findings to the authorities who contacted professional archaeologists who then took over at the find. The find is located on private farmland in Staffordshire, England. Mr. Herbert said it was "more fun than winning the lottery."

(above) Mr. Herbert with some of his treasure (photo via AP)

The discovery sent a thrill through Britain's archaeological community, which said Thursday that it offers new insight into the world of the Anglo-Saxons, who ruled England from the fifth century until the 1066 Norman invasion and whose cultural influence is still felt throughout the English-speaking world.

"This is just a fantastic find completely out of the blue," Roger Bland, who managed the cache's excavation, told The Associated Press. "It will make us rethink the Dark Ages." (1)

There are over 1500 pieces, with the gold, alone, totaling 11 pounds. The pieces are said to be from the period of time of 600 to 750AD.

The collection will never leave the UK, but, Mr. Herbert and his farmer-friend (it has been estimated) will each likely receive a payment in the "seven-figure" range.

The entire Associated Press article is a well-worth read.

(1) quote from AP article

Thanks for reading...

For more fantastic pictures and the whole story about what Mr. Herbert found along the merry way...Click on the link below