Manx Viking ingot treasure trove ruling at inquest

The silver ingot has losts its original sheen over the centuries

A Viking silver ingot dating back 1,000 years which was discovered using a metal detector in the Isle of Man has been declared treasure trove.

An inquest ruled that the 20g ingot, found by John Crowe in October 2009 in a field in Andreas, is the property of the Queen, the Lord of Mann.

Mr Crowe, who may receive a reward, reported his find to the Manx Museum.

Archaeologists believe it contains 87% silver and dates back from between 950 and 1075 AD.

The ruling was made by the Coronor of Inquests, Alistair Montgomerie, at Douglas Courthouse.

'More items'

He heard evidence from Allison Fox, of Manx National Heritage, who examined the ingot.

Ms Fox said the ingot would have originally been used as currency.

She said: "Due to similar finds in the past, the relatively high silver content of the piece and the fact that the field where it was found has not been subject to any intensive metal detecting, there could be more items there."

"It is more likely than not that the item was due to be reclaimed (by the original owner) at some stage."

The finder and landowner were not present at the inquest.