A bid to secure an ancient artefact worth £16,000 has been launched.
The Sussex Archaeological Society has started an appeal to acquire the gold torc, which was found near Pulborough and dates from the Iron Age (400–250 BCE), for the Barbican House Museum in Lewes.
Discovered by a metal detectorist in 2019, the artefact was officially declared an item of treasure and valued late last year.
It has been in the British Museum's treasure department ever since.
A torc is a large metal ring that was worn around the neck and was made from gold, silver, copper, iron or bronze.
A Sussex Archaeological Society spokesman said: “The torc has what is known as a buffer-shaped terminal and is decorated with gold wire.
“The fine gold wire has been twisted into shape and applied, in a simple filigree design, around the buffer terminal and at the centre of the neck tube. The buffer terminals would have been worn to the front of the neck and the connecting tube would pass around the nape of the neck.
“For whoever wore this it would have been a significant and highly valuable item, it is without doubt a statement piece.”
The society, which cares for a number of heritage sites across Sussex, has already received pledges from a number of national funding organisations and now seeks £2,200 of local funding to secure the torc for future generations.
Emma O’Connor, the society’s museums officer, said the item is "unusual and rare".
She said experts believe the item was made by someone trying to imitate one they saw.
"It's at least 2,000 years old," she said. "It's remarkable and it's in good condition for its age.
“The acquisition of the Iron Age gold torc is important for our visitors and communities, it is vital to make this culturally and archaeologically significant object available in the county of its discovery.”
If successfully acquired, the gold torc will be displayed at Barbican House Museum in Lewes and will be the focus of the prehistory gallery.
The society, which is a registered charity committed to protecting, promoting and providing access to the heritage of Sussex, plan to hold celebratory events where supporters will be able to view the object close up.
The gold torc will also be made available to researchers and other peer colleagues and programmed activities will also include behind-the-scenes gallery talks with the Museums and Finds Liaison Officers.
People can donate to the appeal here.
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