A METAL detectorist has paid off his mortgage after finding a huge treasure stash worth more than £78,000.
The hoard included a Roman general’s ring and was stumbled across by a treasure hunting duo in Somerset while digging at a metal detecting rally.
The ring weighs 48 grams and is made of gold Credit: SWHT/BNPS
Kevin found the ring while digging at a metal detecting rally in 2017 Credit: BNPS
The whopping 48 gram golden ring is believed to have been owned by a top general and features an engraved gemstone showing the goddess of Victory a two-horse chariot.
It was buried with hundreds of Roman coins for 1,720 years until being found in a muddy field in 2017 by metal detecting duo Kevin Minto, 68, and friend Phil Costello.
After a legal squabble with the metal detecting rally organiser, who wrongly claimed ownership, a coroner ruled Kevin was the rightful owner.
Now South West Heritage Trust has bought the signet for £75,000 alone.
Amal Khreisheh, senior curator at South West Heritage Trust, said the coin dates back to 297 AD Credit: SWHT/BNPS
Kevin and Phil found 297 coins amongst the treasure hoard Credit: BNPS
Kevin says he used the cash to pay off his mortgage after splitting it 50/50 with the land owner and friend Phil.
Experts say the ring is an unparalleled discovery in Britain and there is no other like it.
The treasure stash is set to go on tour of local primary in giving children the chance to learn about Roman .
Then it will go on display in the Roman collections at The Museum of Somerset in Taunton.
Amal Khreisheh, senior curator at South West Heritage Trust, said: “The Ilminster Ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate goldwork and a beautifully executed intaglio.
“Its discovery sheds light on how South Somerset’s Roman inhabitants navigated a period of unrest from 286–296.”
Kevin thinks there’s more treasure to be found on the site and plans to return.
He said: “I was on a group dig when I found it. I was walking in this field on an estate by myself and I found a couple of coins.
“Then I found a couple more and a couple more and realised it was a hoard.
“By the end of the day we had something like 200 coins.
“The hoard must have been buried in a pot in the ground and over the years has been struck by a farmer’s plough and scattered.
“It doesn’t make sense for just the ring to have been buried with hundreds of coins, there must be more there.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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