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Viking artefact unearthed in Norfolk fetches £15,000 at auction

The bronze artefact, called a die, was used to decorate military helmets

A bronze artefact, called a die, which would have been used to create decorative motifs to be applied to a military helmet
Author: Sam Russell, PAPublished 19th Jul 2023
Last updated 19th Jul 2023

A Viking artefact used to craft decorative motifs for military helmets has sold at auction for £15,000.

Metal detectorist Jason Jones, 44, of Norwich, made the find while searching a field near Watton in Norfolk in January, having previously found two medieval silver coins there.

Jason Jones with wife Lisa (right) and daughter Ela (centre)

The construction industry worker, who was with his wife Lisa, said he had forgotten to charge his main detector and was using his backup machine.

The bronze artefact, called a die, was bought by a UK collector during an auction at Noonans Mayfair in London on Tuesday.

Mr Jones is going to share the money with the landowner and use his share to support his family.

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