Henry VIII Gold Necklace Found by Treasure Hunter!

[Red-Coat]

The fabulous pendant found by Charlie Clarke was declared as ‘Treasure’ at inquest and has been held in safekeeping (and now on display) by the British Museum, pending valuation and determination of its ultimate fate. The ‘Treasure’ determination means that our museum services have first refusal on the item if they are able to raise the money to pay the reward to Mr Clarke, which he will split 50:50 with the landowner. Otherwise, ownership reverts to Mr Clarke and the landowner and the pendant could be privately sold to whoever wants it.

With the valuation confirmed at £3.5 million, the British Museum has been given until April 2026 to raise the additional funds beyond its available budget to secure the item for the nation. The museum has already received a £500,000 donation from the Julia Rausing Trust and a public campaign is now open for donations.

Either way, Mr Clarke is set to receive at least £1.75 million, although he will be liable for Capital Gains Tax on his profit.

 

[ToddsPoint]

Was the chain found with the pendant? From what I’ve seen, the valuation committee gives very fair appraisals. Archaeologists absolutely abhor putting a monetary value on treasure. How could anyone deny an artifact like that isn’t tremendously valuable?

 

[Red-Coat]

Was the chain found with the pendant? From what I’ve seen, the valuation committee gives very fair appraisals. Archaeologists absolutely abhor putting a monetary value on treasure. How could anyone deny an artifact like that isn’t tremendously valuable?

Yes, the pendant and chain were found together.

The valuation committee is composed of independent experts on antiquities and includes a finders’ representative (Harry Bain, editor of ‘The Searcher’ magazine.) Appointees change from time to time but, last time I checked:

- Chair: Professor Roger Bland, OBE. Former Keeper of the Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory at the British Museum. President of the British Numismatic Society and Vice-President of the Royal Numismatic Society.

- Marian Campbell, Former Senior Curator of Metalwork at the Victoria and Albert Museum

- Christopher Martin, Proprietor and Managing director of CJ Martin Coins and Ancient Art, Ltd., and St. James Ancient Art. Chairman of The British Numismatic Trade Association and Vice-Chair of The Antiquities Dealers Association.

- Dr Megan Gooch, Head of the Centre for Digital Scholarship and Digital Humanities Support, Oxford University. Expert in numismatics.

- Harry Bain, Editor of The Searcher hobbyist magazine devoted to metal detectorists and treasure hunters.

- Gail Boyle, Senior Curator at Bristol City Museum, Chair of the Society of Museum Archaeologists

- Lucinda Orr, Barrister with Enyo Law, with extensive knowledge of antiquities collections and particular expertise in Mediaeval coins and jewellery

- Leslie Webster, former Keeper of the Department of Prehistory and Europe at the British Museum; expert in Early Medieval antiquities.

Their task is to agree a valuation that represents a fair market price between a willing seller and a willing buyer. That price could well be exceeded in an aggressive competitive auction, though.