'The sarcophagus lid trembled, began to rise.  Slowly, and swaying uncertainly, it swung clear.  At first we saw only a long, narrow, black void.  Then across the middle of this blackness we gradually discerned fragments of granite which had fallen out of the fracture in the lid.  They were lying scattered upon a dark shroud through which seemed to see emerging an indistinct form...' -James Henry Breasted

Carter soon realised he had made the most vital Archaeological discovery ever, the first coffin (2.24m-7ft 4in long)was still intact, with varying thickness of gold it was a truly magnificent sight.

The lid was removed slowly to show another coffin (2.04-6ft 8in long) even more magnificent than the first made from an unknown type of wood it was again covered in gold foil.

The lid of the third coffin was nail down by 10 gold-headed silver nails, and within lay the most breathtaking mask, even more beautiful than the previous two.

'Mr. Burton at once made his photographic records, I then removed the floral collarette and linen coverings.  An astounding fact was disclosed.  The third coffin...was made of solid gold! The mystery of the enormous weight, which hitherto had puzzled us, was now clear.  It explained also why the weight had diminished so slighty after the first coffin, and the lid of the second coffin, had been removed.  Its weight was still as much as eight strong men could lift' -Howard Carter

The coffin measured 1.88m (6ft 2in) in length, the thickness of the gold varied between 0.25-0.35cm and it weighed 110.4kg(296lb), its value in gold weight alone was $1,700,000 (£1,000,000).  The lid of the coffin, as with the outer coffin was fitted with handles, 'The lid was raised by its golden handles and the mummy of the king disclosed'