Florida Student Unearths 1,200-Year-Old Treasure on Her First Dig

A Florida archaeology student discovered a rare piece of ninth-century gold during her first ever dig.

Yara Souza, from Orlando, unearthed the medieval medal during an Newcastle University excavation in Redesdale, Northumberland, England in July.

She discovered the decorative ancient object within the first 90 minutes of the group dig, according to the university. 

'I couldn't believe I'd found something so quickly into my first ever excavation. It was actually quite overwhelming,' Souza said.

The gold object, which dates back to the 800s, is approximately one and a half inches long and has a decorative ornament on one end.