LONDON—British archaeologists have announced the discovery of what they are calling the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon artifacts ever found. Discovered on English farmland, the discovery is a major asset in the study of Anglo-Saxon rule in England, which roughly lasted from the years 400 to 1066.

While walking on a friend’s farm in July, amateur treasure-hunter Terry Herbert stumbled upon the collection while using a metal detector. The hoard contains over 1,500 pieces of gold and silver, which will eventually be sold to a museum. Though experts are unsure how much the discovery will bring in, Herbert has been told he can expect up to seven figures in British pounds, to be split between him and the friend on whose land the artifacts were found.

The treasure is said to be of very high quality, suggesting it may have belonged to royalty. The find could lead to a reexamination of what is currently known about the Anglo-Saxons and the Dark Ages.

Read more at the Associated Press.