Manx metal detectorist discovers Viking gold

Ronald Clucas' find declared Treasure by Coroner of Inquests

A rare piece of Viking gold, unearthed by a Manx metal detectorist, has been declared Treasure by the Isle of Man Deputy Coroner of Inquests.

The fragment of a gold arm-ring, belonging to a Viking, dates back to AD 1000-1100 and was found earlier this year, in Spring, by Ronald Clucas.

Manx National Heritage says a highly skilled goldsmith would have created the band by plaiting eight strands of gold rods together - a 'specialised technique'.  

It was found folded in two and is around 3.7cm in length, although would have originally been around 7.7cm in length.  

The fragment weighs 27.26g, which MNH says is a significant weight for a fragment of jewellery of its size.

Mr Clucas - a member of the Manx Detectorist Society - has been detecting for 50 years, with 2025 marking (somewhat appropriately) his golden anniversary of metal detecting

"It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold, I couldn’t really believe it at first!

"Gold generally gives a very low signal on the detector, so you can’t really predict what is going to be uncovered.  I’ve been detecting for many years now and found some wonderful things, but to find a piece of gold from the Viking Age, that’s really something else." - Ronald Clucas, Manx Metal Detectorist

MNH says: 'During the Viking Age, there was a dual economy operating in the Isle of Man where both coins and bullion (silver and/or gold) were used to pay for goods and services.'

'Viking gold is much rarer compared to finds of silver from the same period. It was usually used to create intricate pieces of jewellery.'

You can find a video of the arm band HERE.

Allison Fox, Curator for Archaeology at Manx National Heritage, told Manx Radio it enhances the understanding of the Isle of Man’s 'rich Viking legacy':

The gold arm-ring will go on display in the Viking Gallery at the Manx Museum from tomorrow (Saturday, 31 May).

Admission is free, with donations welcome.

You can listen to the full interview with Allison Fox via the Manx Radio Newscast below: