A novice metal detectorist is celebrating after discovering a stunning gold medieval ring worth more than £10,000.
Steel worker Paul McLoughlin had been detecting for two years without ever finding gold before he took part in a rally in Salisbury, Wilts.
After a day during which he unearthed only a rusty bolt, a horseshoe and bits of lead, he was stopped in his tracks by a strong signal.
The 32-year-old dug 8ins into the soil and spotted the exquisite gold ring with an intricate engraving of Catholic martyr Saint Christopher on it.
Paul said he started ‘shaking with excitement’ as he inspected the ring which dates from 1300-1500AD.
The 23mm diameter ring has the French inscription ‘MON CUER AUET’ on it, which translates as ‘You have my heart’. It would have belonged to a high-status individual such as a bishop of nobleman.
Despite it beimng buried in mud for at least 500 years the shiny ring was in immaculate condition.
Paul, from Camarthenshire, South Wales, reported his disocvery to the local Finds Liaision Officer and it is going through the Treasure process.
A novice metal detectorist is celebrating after discovering a stunning gold medieval ring worth more than £10,000
The 32-year-old dug 8ins into the soil and spotted the exquisite gold ring with an intricate engraving of Catholic martyr Saint Christopher on it
Paul said it was the ‘find of a lifetime’ and he will split the proceeds from its sale with the landowner.
He said: ‘I stumbled upon a signal at a depth of 8ins.
‘Anticipating another piece of lead, I flipped the plug over with my spade and I could see something sticking out of the side.
‘At the time it looked like a cable fastener as I had sunglasses on and I was getting somewhat used to digging up rubbish.
‘But I picked it out and could not believe my eyes.
‘I started shaking as I had it in my hand. It was a beautiful gold finger ring.
‘My jaw dropperd as I carefully cleaned the soil from the front.
‘The shimmering golden image of Sir Christopher in a rich, buttery hue caught my attention.
Steel worker Paul McLoughlin had been detecting for two years without ever finding gold before he took part in a rally in Salisbury, Wilts
After a day during which he unearthed only a rusty bolt, a horseshoe and bits of lead, he was stopped in his tracks by a strong signal
‘After two years of detecting, I had found my first gold.
‘It was absolutely perfect, not a scratch on it.
‘The level of craftmanship and its condition truly blew my mind – it is the find of a lifetime.
‘I won’t be afraid to admit that I cried tears of joy.’
Julian Evan-Hart, the editor of Treasure Hunting magazine, described the ring as a ‘magnificent find’.
He said: ‘Such rings when previously auctioned have achieved between £5,000 and £10,000, and on occasion a tad more.
‘It is truly a magnificent find which would have belonged to a very high-status person, at least a bishop or nobleman.
‘The significance of St Christopher back then was as it is now – safe and secure travel.’
