In a year that broke records, the British Museum revealed unprecedented discoveries of public treasures.

A remarkable breakthrough in the field of historical research has been revealed by the British Museum on the incredible increase in public archaeological discoveries. 53,490 archaeological finds were recorded in 2022, the museum reported today, with more than 1,300 of those being categorised as “treasure cases.”

The majority of these amazing finds came from metal-detecting enthusiasts, but others were made by those who engaged in the intriguing hobby of “mud-larking,” which is the search for artefacts along riverbanks.

The museum stressed in a news release that “the record-breaking figures highlight the huge contribution that members of the public are making to increasing archaeological knowledge in the UK today.”

A 3,000-year-old gold dress fastening, a cache of Iron Age gold coins found hidden within a hollow container, and an exquisitely carved bone rosary bead were among the valuables unearthed. As stated by the British Museum, these discoveries might end up in esteemed institutions or other carefully selected collections.

The UK’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), is responsible for the painstaking documentation of these treasures. It has the backing of around a hundred local and national organisations.

According to Michael Lewis, the project manager at the British Museum, the organisation has recorded an incredible 1.7 million finds, demonstrating the significant effect that public participation has on the preservation of historical artefacts.

In an important move, the UK has expanded the definition of “treasure” to include any metal object that weighs at least 10 percent gold or silver and was unearthed at least 300 years ago. This criterion was updated in 2023 to include objects that are at least 200 years old and partially composed of metal, provided they provide “exceptional insight into an aspect of national or regional history, archaeology, or culture” because of their rarity, location, or association with a particular person or event.

This discovery emphasises the public’s critical role in unearthing historical gems and the changing standards for classifying and conserving these priceless relics. With its most recent statement, the British Museum hopes to transform our perception of the past and highlight the importance of public participation in the field of archaeology.