In June 2026, an amateur metal detectorist in England made a remarkable find, discovering a Roman gold ring over 1,700 years old. The Ilminster Ring, named after a town in Somerset, features Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. This piece is noteworthy due to its size, weight, and intricate goldwork.
According to the South West Heritage Trust, curator Amal Khreisheh described the ring as a truly stunning creation comparable only to other continental finds. Found by Kevin Minto in 2018, the ring recently sold for £78,000, equivalent to $105,000.
The ring dates back to Roman-occupied Britain in 279 AD and carries an engraved intaglio of the goddess riding a chariot pulled by two horses. Khreisheh explained that this discovery is significant in understanding the Roman era of unrest from 286-296 in South Somerset. The ring accompanied a hoard containing coins, lead, and pottery, likely buried in 297 AD.
Ilminster is a small town in southwestern England, known for its historic Roman treasures. Metal detectorist Minto also found a collection of coins alongside the ring. A famous find, the Frome Hoard, comprising over 52,000 Roman coins, was discovered in Somerset in 2010 by another detectorist. This collection is now housed in the Museum of Somerset, where the Ilminster Ring will also be displayed.
The Chew Valley Hoard, another significant find, consisted of over 2,500 silver coins from the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, valued at over $5 million, and is also exhibited at the Museum of Somerset.