Full Breakdown
Ilminster Ring: Rare Roman Gold Find Unearthed in Somerset
6/5/2026, 1:09:51 PM
Discovery of the Ilminster Ring
In 2018 detectorist and former soldier Kevin Minto uncovered a 48-gram gold finger ring in a field near Ilminster, Somerset. The ring, engraved with the goddess Victory on a two-horse chariot, was found with 297 Roman coins and a lead-lined coffin. Reported under the Treasure Act, a coroner’s inquest followed and the South West Heritage Trust later acquired the artefact.
Roman Unrest and Gold Jewellery Rarity
The ring dates to AD 286-296, a decade of political unrest in Roman Britain. Gold jewellery from this period is scarce; most surviving pieces are silver or bronze. Its high-quality goldwork therefore signals a wealthy Roman presence in south-Somerset and offers rare evidence of elite life during the turmoil.
Key Figures, Organizations, and Physical Details
Finder Kevin Minto (68) and senior curator Amal Khreisheh of the South West Heritage Trust, which raised the purchase funds, are involved. The ring is 24-carat gold, uncleaned, with red-soil flecks in the gemstone, weighs 48 g (1.7 oz), and was accompanied by 297 coins, a lead-lined coffin and pottery shards.
Official Statements & Responses
Amal Khreisheh called the ring “nationally significant” and “unparalleled for Britain,” noting its rarity and the insight it offers into elite Roman life. The South West Heritage Trust described the find as “extraordinary” and emphasized its educational value, citing school visits that sparked interest in the owner’s identity.
Criticism, Dispute, and Gaps
The find coincided with a veterans’ detecting rally, sparking a brief dispute over the share of proceeds. Under the Treasure Act, rewards are split between finder and landowner; the parties resolved the issue by dividing the £78,000-£78,010 acquisition cost equally. Sources differ on the exact price and on whether the burial occurred “shortly after 297” or “around AD 297.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s every detectorist’s dream to find a hoard,” — Kevin Minto, former soldier and metal detectorist
- “When you do find something, your heart races. You never know what it is until you turn the soil over and find the item you found,” — Kevin Minto
- “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, senior curator, South West Heritage Trust
- “The Ilminster Ring is both large and heavy, with elaborate goldwork and a beautifully executed intaglio.” — Amal Khreisheh
What's Next
The Ilminster Ring will tour primary schools in Somerset before its permanent installation at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton. An “Ilminster Ring Discovery Day” is planned for August at the town’s art centre, and further scientific study will aim to determine the ring’s origin and the status of its owner.
