12:20pm Friday 16th December 2011
By Daniel Orr
AN EXCITING discovery which has made history has been declared as treasure.
Carnforth man Darren Webster, 39, found a viking hoard while 'killing an hour or two' by going metal detecting in Silverdale.
The collection of coins, ingots, jewellery and pieces of silver, included a coin bearing the inscription AIRDECONUT, which is thought to mean the Scandinavian name Harthacnut, a ruler not previously known.
It was declared treasure by Lancashire deputy coroner Simon Jones at a hearing today (Friday).
A preliminary valuation is expected in mid-January, and could be bought by Lancaster City Museum, if enough funds can be raised.
Mr Webster has agreed to split the money 50-50 with the owner of the land where the treasure was found.
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