Full Breakdown
Ilminster Ring: Rare Roman Gold Treasure Found in Somerset
6/3/2026, 9:15:21 AM
Discovery of the Ilminster Ring
In 2018, 68-year-old Kevin Minto, a former soldier and lorry driver who metal-detects for fitness, uncovered a 48-gram gold finger ring in a field near Ilminster, Somerset. The detector first indicated a small object; Minto thought it was a coin, then a brooch, before recognizing it as a ring. The ring bears an engraved gemstone of the goddess Victoria driving a two-horse chariot and dates to around AD 297. It was found with a hoard of 297 Roman coins and fragments of lead and pottery.
Historical Context
Gold jewellery from the late-third-century Roman period in Britain is extremely rare; most pieces were silver or bronze. The ring’s size and craftsmanship suggest it belonged to a wealthy individual—perhaps a governor, merchant, or landowner—living amid trade routes in south-Somerset during the unrest of AD 286-296.
Official Statements & Responses
South West Heritage Trust, which purchased the ring and hoard, called the find an unparalleled discovery for Britain and highlighted its rarity in scale and artistry. Senior curator Amal Khreisheh noted the combination of size, goldwork and intaglio is comparable only to continental examples. Arts Council England’s director Aysha Afridi said the acquisition, funded through the V&A Purchase Fund, will help engage the public with regional history.
Criticism & Opposition
A dispute over the division of the treasure reward arose because the find coincided with a veterans’ detecting rally, prompting questions about entitlement. Minto confirmed the issue was resolved and the landowner received half of the payment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the purchase price, reporting either £78,000 or £78,010. No other substantive contradictions are noted, though further metallurgical testing is planned to verify the ring’s origin.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was like being hit by an express train. At first I thought it was a coin, then a brooch, and then realised it was a ring. You’re a little dumbfounded, really. One of the boys I was with was screaming: ‘We’re rich, we’re rich.’” — Kevin Minto, metal detectorist
- “It was like being hit by an express train. At first I thought it was a coin, then a brooch, and then realised it was a ring. You’re a little dumbfounded, really. One of the boys I was with was screaming: ‘We’re rich, we’re rich.’” — Kevin Minto
- “The Ilminster ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate gold work and a beautifully executed intaglio [a technique in which a design is engraved into the surface of a gemstone]. While other examples are known, these elements combine to create a spectacular ring that is only paralleled by continental discoveries.” — Amal Khreisheh, senior curator, SWHT
- “Roman gold is really rare, most jewellery is made out of silver or bronze in this period, so it's really striking to see in such good condition,” — Amal Khreisheh
What's Next
The ring will tour primary schools in June, followed by an Ilminster Ring Discovery Day at the town’s arts centre in August. After the outreach program, it will join the permanent Roman collection at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.
