Metal detectorist finds medieval gold cross worth £20,000

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 15:38 · Archive

A 58-year-old grandmother discovered a medieval gold cross worth upwards of £20,000 while metal detecting in a farmer's field in Kent.

Shelley Couzins, 58, made the discovery whilst metal detecting in a farmer's field on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, in August. After five hours of finding nothing but rubbish, her detector beeped and revealed the medieval gold reliquary cross hidden a foot below the surface. Ms Couzins initially assumed it was costume jewellery and only realised its authenticity when fellow members of the Medway History Finders group examined it over tea. The cross depicts Jesus's crucifixion on one side and Mary with the baby Jesus on the other.

Ms Couzins said she was 'quite excited' by the discovery but knew she would have to hand it in. She described it as 'a metal detectorist's dream' and 'something you only find once in a lifetime.' The grandmother-of-five expressed disappointment at having to surrender the find, saying she likes to keep everything she discovers.

How it is being reported

• UK's hidden treasure capital revealed after £20k gold cross discovered - check your areaImpressive treasure finds have been dug up across Britain with dozens being found in some regions alone - it comes after a grandmother uncovered a gold cross while metal detecting in a farmer's fieldThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 15:16
• Cross? I was delighted! Metal detectorist finds £20,000 gold treasure in farmer's fieldShelley Couzins, 58, uncovered a medieval cross that could be worth upwards of £20,000 hidden a foot below the surface of a ploughed field in the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 23:19

In this story: Shelley Couzins · Isle of Sheppey · Kent · Medway History Finders · Lordswood

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem