I suspect the people positionally most likely to find bits, were also least likely to want to give them back. There's generally a long tail to any army or kings

I suspect the people positionally most likely to find bits, were also least likely to want to give them back. There's generally a long tail to any army or kings parade and you'd think a good few people with means and ability were dotted around long after John had moved on, sifting the strand with rakes. But you'd also think a bit would be missed. Maybe like "detectorists" there's a chunk waiting to be found, for somebody to do their gold dance to.