The People’s Committee of Thanh Hoa Province has awarded more than VND66 million ($3,075) to two men for voluntarily turning over two antique drums which they unearthed last year. Truong Thanh Quang and Do Van Hien gave their accidental discovery to the Thanh Hoa Museum which has the legal authority and professional skills to preserve the precious items. 

Aside from the cash award, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also presented them with certificates of merit to reward them for their contribution to the history and tourism of Vietnam.

Quang stumbled upon a 16^th-17^th century old bronze drum in October 2014 with his family. The historical item is 38 centimeters tall, 20 kilograms heavy and 59 centimeters in diameter. It has an elaborate design consisting of an image of the sun in the middle, six rings of patterns, and four toads. Though one of the toads is already missing, the general condition of the drum is still intact and good.

Upon its discovery, the bronze drum has an estimated value of VND300 million or U.S. $13,981. For such a prized possession, Quang was awarded VND41.5 million ($1,934).

Hien on the other hand willingly gave up his 2,000-year old bronze drum which he dug up on November of last year. It has an estimated cost of VND90 million ($4,194). Hien received VND25 million ($1,165) for his gracious effort to the development of history and culture of Vietnam.