As a child, we all fantasize about finding buried treasure, just like in the movies. Well, for three-year-old James Hyatt, that dream became a reality. Accompanied by his dad, Jason Hyatt, James went metal detecting for the first time, and what they found was beyond their wildest imagination.
The father and son duo were in a field in Hockley, Essex, using their trusty metal detector. James, eager to join in on the fun, held the detector and, to their amazement, it started beeping incessantly. Excitedly, they began digging and, six to eight inches below the surface, their efforts paid off. They struck gold – quite literally!
Unearthing an inch-sized pendant, little James couldn’t contain his excitement. When experts evaluated their find, they were astounded to discover that the pendant was a 500-year-old relic of immense historical and monetary value – estimated to be worth about $4 million. Made of 73% gold and believed to be a reliquary, this pendant holds great significance.
Adorned with inscriptions, including the names of the Three Wise Men, and four eye-shaped symbols representing the holy wounds of Jesus Christ, this pendant is truly a rare find. It is believed to hail from the era of Henry VIII and possibly once belonged to a member of the royal family. So, this little treasure hunter and his dad stumbled upon not just gold, but a piece of history.
The pendant now has a permanent place of honor in the medieval gallery of the British Museum since 2012. However, despite its immense value, the family received £70,000 for their discovery. While this may seem like a fraction of its worth, it remains the most substantial reward that Jason, a hobbyist treasure hunter, has ever received. He can’t help but feel incredibly lucky to have his son by his side on this extraordinary journey.
This heartwarming story reminds us of the wonders that await us, sometimes in unexpected ways. It’s a tale of childhood dreams coming true and the magic that can be found right beneath our feet. Share this remarkable story with your loved ones and let it brighten their day!
