A lucky amateur treasure hunter has unearthed a Roman cavalry helmet and mask using just a metal detector – and his prize has been given an auction guide price of €350,000. According to the Guardian, the find may even fetch up to €500,000 at its October auction in Christie’s of London.
The treasure hunter, who has chosen to remain anonymous, discovered the bronze helmet while walking near the village of Crosby Garrett in Cumbria with a metal detector in hand. The treasure is not, however, covered by the UK Treasure Act and could be sold to an overseas bidder. Already local Cumbrian historians are trying to raise public funds to ensure the find is kept in the area.
The helmet is believed to be from about the second century A.D. and is thought to have been used in dress ceremonies to show Roman superiority to the locals. Christie’s have described the helmet as an “extraordinary example of Roman metalwork at its zenith”. They also added that it was “the discovery of a lifetime” for any metal detectorist.
The unnamed metal detectorist is believed to be from the north-east of England and is in their early twenties.
