The near-complete copper artefact dating from the 13th century is the first of its kind to be found in the county.

A metal detector enthusiast found the precious object at East Torrington, near Wragby.

The figure would have been mounted on a processional cross used in church services between 1200 and 1300AD, according to Lincolnshire finds liaison officer Adam Daubney.

"It would have been made in Limoges in France around the time of the Third Crusade and is the only one in Lincolnshire," he said.

"The cross would certainly have belonged to the priest and would have been very valuable at the time.

"The pose of the crucified Christ pays great attention to detail and would have served as a powerful visual aid for worshippers and also a potent symbol of their faith.

"Similar crosses are well known in France and England but this is a very rare find for Lincolnshire.

"We are more used to seeing figures of the apostles riveted into boxes, used to store objects held to have spiritual significance."

The Jesus figure, measuring just 114mm long and 45mm wide, shows Christ in the crucified position. But it also wears a crown symbolising victory over death and crowning as King of Kings.

Amateur archaeologist and metal detector owner Adge Winstanley (60) from East Barkwith, near Wragby, found the object in a ploughed field.

"When I got the object out I thought it was just a piece of an old garden hoe, he said. "But when I cleaned it off I could see a face and a crown and I knew it was a crucifix.

"Most objects like that were destroyed by Henry VIII's troops."

Because the object is made of less than 10 per cent precious metal it is not deemed Treasure Trove and so Mr Winstanley will get to keep it.