Gold Roman ring found in Cornwall ruled as treasure

A 2,000 year-old Roman gold ring was found by a metal detectorist 10 inches (51cm) underground in Cornwall, an inquest in Truro heard.

Michael Burke made the discovery in the parish of St Just in December 2021.

Any treasure found in the county belongs in the first instance to the Duchy of Cornwall not the finder or landowner.

Assistant coroner Guy Davies ruled it as treasure and said it originated from the 1st or early 2nd century AD.

The 12g ring containing an oval gem is said to have originated from Turkey and is similar to others found at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, Northamptonshire and Norfolk.

Penlee House museum, in Penzance, hopes to be able to raise the funds needed to acquire the ring.

Correction 24 January 2024: This story originally said Penlee House was acquiring the ring, but the museum had actually said it hoped it could acquire it.

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