Viking-age silver ingots found by metal detectorist on North Coast farmland

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have dated silver ingots uncovered by metal detectorists in Derrykeighan and Dunseverick to the time of the Vikings.

Details of the finds were revealed in a treasure trove inquest held in Belfast on Thursday.

In Northern Ireland newly uncovered objects that may have archaeological value must be reported to government heritage officials or National Museums NI.

Once classified as potential treasure, the discovery is handed over to the Coroner’s Service. An inquest will then establish whether it is indeed to be declared treasure.

The object must contain at least 10 percent gold or silver and be at least 300 years old.

As Coroner Anne-Louise Toal heard on Thursday, detectorist Andrew McCloy thought he’d uncovered a worthless piece of metal in a Derrykeighan field in March 2022.

He contacted Ulster Museum when, after a little research, he suspected it might be rather more valuable.

In fact, it turned out, the oblong object measuring 53mm and weighing 26 grams was 92 per cent silver.

Read the full story in this week's Chronicle.