The Vale of Glamorgan has been named as the treasure capital of Wales, with the most finds over the past 34 years.
Researchers analysed the latest Treasure Act report to reveal that the Vale is a goldmine for treasure hunters.
With 135 discoveries in the area, the finds account for over 20% of all in Wales.
Monmouthshire came second with 93 finds, and Powys third with 72.
The full figures, which take England, Wales and Northern Ireland into account, revealed that treasure cases have seen a 28% rise.
There were 1,072 cases in 2021, with that shooting up in 2022, as cases rose to 1,377.
Experts also discovered that most of the object finds were Post-Medieval (407), followed by Early Medieval, and then Bronze Age.
Of the finds, 94% were found via metal detecting, whilst 3.85% were found through Archaeological finds.
Trevor Moxon, from Fast Skips who analysed the data, explained why treasure hunting is so much fun: “There’s something genuinely exciting about not knowing what’s just beneath your feet.
“One minute you’re walking through a quiet field, the next you’re holding something that hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years.
“It’s the mix of history, fresh air and pure luck that makes treasure hunting so addictive.
“Every trip out is different, and even if you come back empty-handed, it still feels like time well spent.”
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