Somerset detectorist’s gold Roman ring acquired for £78,000
Kevin Minto, a lorry driver and former soldier, found a gold Roman ring in a Somerset field in 2018. The South West Heritage Trust announced on Tuesday it had acquired the ring along with a hoard of 297 Roman coins for £78,000. The ring dates to around AD297, weighs 48 grams, and features a gemstone engraved with the goddess Victoria driving a two-horse chariot. Minto said the landowner received half of the money, and he split his half with a metal detecting friend he worked with. There was a dispute over the proceeds because the ring was found during a military veterans’ detecting rally. The ring will tour primary schools and be displayed at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.
What’s reported
Kevin Minto discovered the gold Roman ring in a field near Ilminster, Somerset, in 2018.
The ring dates to approximately AD297 and weighs 48 grams.
The South West Heritage Trust acquired the ring and 297 Roman coins for £78,000.
The ring is set with an engraved gemstone depicting the goddess Victoria driving a two-horse chariot.
Minto stated the landowner got half of the money; he split his half with a detecting friend.
A dispute arose over the proceeds because the ring was found on the day of a veterans’ detecting rally.
The ring will be taken on a tour of primary schools and a discovery day in August, with a permanent home at the Museum of Somerset.
Amal Khreisheh, senior curator at the trust, called the ring “spectacular” and “unparalleled” for Britain.
Open questions
Whether the ring was made in Britain or elsewhere.
Whether a lead-lined coffin found at the same site is linked to the ring.
Who the original owner of the ring might have been.
Key figures
Kevin Minto – lorry driver, former soldier, metal detectorist
Amal Khreisheh – senior curator at South West Heritage Trust
Sources: The Guardian
