A father and son have unearthed the most important stash of Viking treasure in Britain. David and Andrew Whelan found 617 coins, a silver gilt pot and 64 other goodies while using metal detectors in Harrogate, in the north of England. The collection is thought to be worth £750,000. Under UK law, the Whelans could be set for a massive payout for the treasure. Experts said the objects have come from all over the world and some of the coins have never been seen before. Lots of the smaller items were hidden in the silver pot, which is thought to have been given to the Vikings or stolen from a monastery.

Experts believe the treasure may have been buried for safe keeping by a rich Viking leader after the conquest of the Viking Kingdom of Northumbria in the year 927.