A rare gold Roman ring, dating back over 1,700 years, has been discovered by an amateur metal detectorist in England. The Ilminster Ring, featuring a depiction of Victoria or Nike, the goddess of victory, was found in a field near the town that now bears its name.
The South West Heritage Trust purchased the ring for approximately $105,000 from Kevin Minto, who unearthed it in 2018. Senior curator Amal Khreisheh noted that the ring is unique due to its size and intricate goldwork, with an engraved gemstone of Victoria riding a chariot pulled by two horses.
The discovery provides insight into Roman inhabitants’ lives during a period of unrest from 286-296 AD. It’s believed the ring was buried shortly after this tumultuous era, along with coins, lead, and pottery objects.
Ilminster, located in southwestern England within Somerset, is known for yielding ancient Roman treasures. The Ilminster Ring will be displayed alongside other significant finds like the Frome Hoard, which contains over 52,000 Roman coins, at the Museum of Somerset.