A rare medieval gold ring, estimated to be over 700 years old, is set to go under the hammer with a significant price tag after being unearthed in northern England.
The ring was discovered in 2019 by Mark Sell, a retired fire service worker, while using a metal detector in Norfolk. The intricately designed piece, adorned with original gemstones, is believed to date back to the late 12th century.
Sell, 69, described his astonishment at the find.
“I was amazed to see a thin line of gold in the clod of mud that I had dug up,” he recalled. “As I wiped away the mud, I could see the bezel of a medieval gold jeweled ring. It was in pristine condition, with all of its original jewels still in place.”
Experts from Norwich Castle Museum and the British Museum examined the artifact, which was temporarily put on display. Now, the historic ring is headed to Noonans Mayfair in London for auction, with an estimated presale value between £15,000 ($AUD30,650) and £18,000 ($AUD36,780).
Norwich Castle Museum has expressed interest in acquiring the ring for its permanent collection. The auction is scheduled to take place on March 26.
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