A treasure hunter has struck gold, after his metal detector guided him to a rare Anglo-Saxon cross in the middle of a muddy farmer’s field.

The stunning pure gold artefact was set with red gemstones and dates from the 7th century. It may have originally held a relic such as bone from a Disciple or fragment of the Cross.

Measuring just over an inch long, the finely decorated 18 carat gold is worth at least £25,000 ($50,000). The red stones are among the world’s most ancient gems and were used by ancient Greeks .

The anonymous finder discovered the 1,400-year-old cross just 12 inches beneath the sod on a farm in Nottinghamshire. He handed the find to a coroner who declared it as treasure trove at an inquest. This means the finder will get half the proceeds of a sale. He is likely to split his earnings with the farmer.