A Suffolk, England, farmer found a fortune while searching for his lost hammer in the grass. Peter Whatling asked his metal detector-owning friend Eric Lawes to assist him find his hammer.
Lost Hammer Leads to $2.4 Million Roman Treasure: Friends’ Unexpected Discovery Rewrites History
Eric didn’t find the hammer, but he found something more valuable. When two grocery bags were full of silver spoons and gold coins, the pair recognized they needed help. The Suffolk Archaeological Unit excavated the largest Roman treasure hoard in British history in one day.
The 60-pound gold and silver treasure trove contained coins, jewelry, and spoons. Amazingly, the companions’ unexpected find was historical.
Eric and Peter submitted their discovery to the authorities to comply with UK law, receiving a $2.43 million prize for £1.75 million. These amounts would be roughly $5 million now after inflation.
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Shared Riches: Friends Split $2.4 Million Treasure, Turning Lost Hammer Hunt into Historic Windfall
The pals split the windfall, underlining that their spectacular find was a team effort. In this story, surprising discovery and buddy solidarity and duty are shown.
Peter and Eric’s story shows that life’s greatest treasures can be found unexpectedly. The simple hunt for a misplaced hammer became an astonishing chapter in history, leaving both friends with a legacy and a cash prize that has grown in value.