An amateur metal detectorist scanning a quiet field in South Somerset has made a spectacular discovery that is rewriting our understanding of late third-century Roman Britain. Kevin Minto unearthed an exceptionally large, 48-gram Roman gold ring set with an exquisitely carved gemstone. This "nationally significant" find, now known as the Ilminster Ring, has been acquired by the South West Heritage Trust for more than $105,000 (£78,000), alongside a substantial hoard of nearly 300 Roman coins. Experts believe this luxurious treasure was buried to protect it during a highly volatile decade of rebellion and civil war.
A Spectacular Glimpse into Roman Wealth
The Ilminster Ring is an absolute masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship, far exceeding typical finds from this era in both size and artistry. It is set with a dark blue and light grey nicolo engraved gem, or intaglio, which beautifully depicts the Roman goddess Victory. She is represented as a draped, winged female figure wearing a helmet, driving a two-horse chariot (biga) while holding a whip in her left hand and reins in her right. The horses are dramatically carved, appearing to spring forward on their hind legs above a simple curved line representing the chariot.
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The Roman gold finger ring with a dark blue and light grey nicolo engraved gem depicting Victory. (South West Heritage Trust)
Such elaborate goldwork is incredibly rare for Roman Britain, where most recovered jewelry from this period is fashioned from bronze or silver. According to Amal Khreisheh, Senior Curator at the South West Heritage Trust, the ring’s spectacular quality is almost unparalleled within Britain, with similar examples only known from continental Europe. The presence of such an extravagant Roman gold ring suggests that wealthy Roman elites were living in rural Somerset and actively navigating the political unrest of the late third century.
Navigating a Decade of Rebellion
The burial of the Ilminster Ring is intimately tied to one of the most chaotic chapters in Romano-British history: the Carausian Revolt. In AD 286, a naval commander named Carausius declared himself the independent emperor of Britain and northern Gaul, breaking away from the legitimate rule of the joint Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Carausius successfully defended his breakaway state for seven years, minting his own coinage and maintaining order, until he was assassinated in AD 293 by his own minister, Allectus. Allectus then ruled the rebel British Empire until AD 296, when Maximian launched a massive invasion fleet to reclaim the province for Rome.
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The South West Heritage Trust states that the coin hoard dates the concealment to shortly after AD 297, immediately following Rome's reconquest of Britain. It was common practice during periods of severe instability for wealthy individuals to bury their most valuable possessions to prevent plunder or confiscation. The owner of the spectacular Roman gold ring may have been a high-ranking supporter of the usurper Allectus, fleeing the victorious imperial forces. By burying this massive gold ring alongside coins, lead, and pottery, they successfully secured their wealth, creating a time capsule that remained hidden for over 1,700 years.
An aureus of Carausius minted at Rouen (Portable Antiquities Scheme/CC BY 2.0)
A Life-Changing Discovery
For metal detectorist Kevin Minto, finding the spectacular ring was a truly overwhelming experience. He had been exploring the Somerset field with the landowner’s permission for nearly a decade, having found a few Roman coins on the site years earlier. When the massive Roman gold ring finally emerged from the earth in 2018, the scale of the find did not immediately register.
"At the time, you're tired from digging all day, so when you see it, it's all a bit overwhelming and it didn't really sink in until I got home that night," Minto recalled.
The acquisition process took around eight years due to complex legal and valuation procedures under the UK Treasure Act. However, the wait was well worth it. The £78,010 purchase price was split equally between the landowner and Minto, who also shared his portion with a close friend who had assisted him during the excavation. The life-changing sum has allowed the former soldier and lorry driver to pay off his mortgage and significantly reduce his working hours, proving that sometimes, history can literally strike gold.
Amal Khreisheh, Senior Curator at South West Heritage Trust, with the Ilminster Ring (South West Heritage Trust/Copyright Free)
The historic Roman gold ring will join the permanent collections at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton. Before going on display, the ring will tour local primary schools to inspire young minds. A special "Ilminster Ring Discovery Day" will also be held at the Ilminster Arts Centre on August 20, allowing the public to marvel at this spectacular connection to Somerset’s Roman past.
Top image: An outstanding Roman gold finger ring with a dark blue and light grey nicolo engraved gem depicting Victory. Source: South West Heritage Trust
By Gary Manners
References
Amin, O. 2016. Medallion of Carausius. World History Encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5931/medallion-of-carausius/
BBC News. 2026. 'Rare' ring sheds light on how Romans navigated unrest. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3pgy6ervko
Khreisheh, A. 2026. Extraordinary Roman Gold Ring Acquired. South West Heritage Trust. Available at: https://swheritage.org.uk/news/ilminster-ring/
Lee, A. 2026. The Ilminster Ring. Somerset Confidential. Available at: https://somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/the-ilminster-ring
Something About Rocks. 2026. Rare Roman ring found in metal detector hunt to be displayed in museum. Available at: https://somethingaboutrocks.com/rare-roman-ring-found-in-metal-detector-hunt-to-be-displayed-in-museum/
