The Paragon of Metal Detecting -Reference-Agreement in Writing

The discovery of a £300,000 hoard of Iron Age gold coins has destroyed the friendship of the men who found it. Michael Darke and keith Lewis dug up 840 coinss, dating from before the Roman invasion, in a field at Dallinghoo, Suffolk. But the Dallinghoo Gold has caused a bitter rift. This week, it was valued at £300,000. And, after nearly two years of legal wrangling, it was decided that landowner Cliff Green will receive 50 per cent of its value - £150,000. The rest will be split between Mr Darke and Mr Lewis, who will receive £75,803 and £74,196, respectively. Mr Darke 62, from Woodbridge said he would fight the ruling, insisting he should receive £150,000 because he initially found the treasure. He dug up nine gold coins as he scoured the 30-acre field alone in March 2008. The weather was poor so he returned the next day. But he recruited Mr Lewis, who lives near Ipswich, to help him. From that point, both men disagree over who found what. Mr Lewis 56, said the valuation was fair and claimed he found the bulk of the coins. 'I am as honest as the day long' he said.