Couple finds 2,000-year-old Celtic pendant shaped like a penis

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A treasure-hunting couple were stunned when they found a tiny Celtic pendant in the shape of a penis buried in a field - which is worth more than £1,000 ($1,205).

Paul and Joanne Shepheard were using their metal detectors to scour farmland in Lincolnshire, UK, when they unearthed the 2,000-year-old relic.

The couple initially thought it was an old pin until they saw the phallus and an outline of a face.

Experts believe the figurine is Celtic and was a representation of the fertility god based on the Roman god Mercury.

The ancient relic depicts a bronze figurine holding a giant phallus which is hinged for movement and measures 5.5 cm high by 1.2 cm wide.

The amulet was most likely used as a locking mechanism on a belt or even a sword.

Paul and Joanne were taking part in a rally in Haconby, UK, in November when they made the find using their new XP Deus II metal detectors.

The Shepheards have been metal detecting for over 25 years and say the fertility figurine is their most valuable find to date.

Paul, 69, from March in Cambridgeshire, said: “What I love about metal-detecting is that absolute surprise of what you find, and this certainly came out of the blue.

"We initially thought it was Roman as the military wore phallic pendants but they did not have moving parts, so to speak, but this was designed by the Celts who have added a hinged element making it very artistic which perhaps made their feelings even more obvious.

“We hope to use the proceeds from the sale to pay for a holiday for my wife and her mother."

Experts believe the cheeky Celtic charm could fetch around $1,200 U.S. when it is sold at Noonans Auction house next month.

Nigel Mills, a Coins and Artefacts expert, said: “Dating to the Celtic period from the 1st century AD, this is a representation of a fertility god, probably based on the Roman god Mercury as he is holding a purse in his left hand.

“This male figure with its hinged oversized phallus would have had symbolic powers of good luck and warding off evil spirits and may have served as a locking mechanism as a buckle to hold a belt and scabbard for a sword."

"There is nothing quite like it, I am hoping it will attract a lot of attention.”