Rare Roman Ring Found in England Sells for $105,000

A remarkable gold ring from Roman times has brought fortune to an amateur metal detector enthusiast in England. The ring, crafted over 1,700 years ago, was discovered by Kevin Minto in a field in Somerset, England. Known as the Ilminster Ring, it features Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, also recognized by her Greek name, Nike.

The South West Heritage Trust, which announced the purchase, stated that the ring fetched over 78,000 pounds, equivalent to approximately $105,000. Amal Khreisheh, senior curator at the trust, highlighted the ring’s impressive features, such as its large size, heavy weight, intricate gold design, and exquisitely engraved gemstone (intaglio). Compared to similar finds across the continent, she noted the Ilminster Ring’s exceptional quality.

Dating back to 279 AD, the ring offers insight into the life of Roman-occupied Britain during a turbulent period from 286 to 296 AD. Minto found the ring in 2018, along with a collection of coins, lead, and pottery objects. These likely reflect the hoarding behavior of people around 297 AD, due to instability during that era.

Ilminster, a small town in Somerset, has a reputation for yielding Roman artifacts. Besides the Ilminster Ring, the area gained recognition with the discovery of the Frome Hoard in 2010. This massive collection includes over 52,000 Roman coins and is now housed at the Museum of Somerset. The Ilminster Ring joins this collection for display.

The Museum of Somerset also houses the Chew Valley Hoard, discovered during the Norman Conquest period. This find comprises over 2,500 silver coins with a value exceeding $5 million. Artifacts like these highlight Somerset’s rich history and significance in uncovering ancient treasures.