Rare ancient gold discovery made by Florida student at archaeological site

Yara Souza of Orlando, Florida, discovered the ninth-century golden artifact during an excavation in Redesdale, Northumberland, in July. 

An archaeology student at Newcastle University, Souza said that she "couldn't believe" she found the artifact - during her first excavation too.

"I was really geeking out over it!"

"I couldn't believe I'd found something so quickly into my first excavation," she added.

The early medieval artifact dates back to the 800s, the school said. It features a decorative finial at one end.

Gold was only used by elite individuals at the time, so experts believe the relic could have had a religious or ceremonial use. Further analysis is ongoing.

Archaeology professor James Gerrard called the discovery "an exciting find of exceptional quality." 

"I'm delighted for Yara that she has made this discovery at the beginning of her career as an archaeologist," he said.

The discovery follows other recent archaeological finds in the United Kingdom.