A man in France made a life-changing discovery after unearthing gold bars and coins worth nearly $800,000 (about R14 million) while digging a swimming pool in his backyard.
The man, whose identity has not been revealed, reportedly found the hidden treasure in May at his home in Neuville-sur-Saône, a town just outside Lyon.
He immediately reported the find to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs, which has since ruled that the gold is not considered an archaeological treasure — meaning the man is legally entitled to keep it.
Local officials said there was no indication of where the gold came from, and the previous property owner had already passed away.
According to French newspaper Le Progrès, the stash — which included five gold bars and dozens of coins — was discovered neatly packed inside plastic bags buried beneath the ground.
