I found ancient treasure in a field – I thought it was a piece of junk but now I’m selling it for £4,000
A PENSIONER who discovered an 18th century gold skeletal ring while metal detecting is now selling it for £4,000.
David Nicklin, 65, was detecting with a friend in the Vale of Glamorgan when he found the macabre relic.
The field had recently been deep ploughed for the first time in 40 years after a potato harvest.
The retired civil servant dug down 4ins and retrieved what he initially thought was a posy ring.
But his friend noticed it had a skeleton in black enamel around the hoop and a coffin-shaped rock crystal on top, indicating it was a memento ring. The ring, found late last year, is dated January 28, 1730.
On the inside is written the name Eliz Tucker, aged 65 and an inscription which translates as ‘remember my death’.
Skeletal rings were popular at the time and were worn on the little finger as a reminder to live a life without sin.
David is selling the ring with London-based auctioneers Noonans.
David, who lives near Neath in south Wales, said: “I have found a few gold rings in the past but nothing like this one.
What to do you if you find treasure
If you find anything that is legally defined as treasure, it must be reported to the local coroner.
The report must be made within 14 days of either the date of discovery or the date on which you realised the item could be treasure.
The penalty for not declaring treasure is an unlimited fine and up to three months in prison.
Items defined as treasure include metallic objects other than coins that are at least 10% precious metal by weight and are at least 300 years old.
For coins, any two from the same find that are at least 300 years old are defined as treasure.
Non-treasure items of cultural or historical interest can be reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme in England or Wales.
There are slightly different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which can be found on the devolved governments’ websites.
After you make your report, you’ll be contacted by either a local Finds Liaison Officer or museum curator, who will discuss next steps with you.
“I was over the moon although I didn’t realise its potential value.
“I hope that the ring sells well as my wife is wanting to buy some new carpets with the proceeds.”
Nigel Mills, consultant at Noonans, said: “The ring has a coffin shaped rock crystal inset into the bezel and is dated on the inside 28th Jan 1730 with the name eliz tucker aged 65 and inscribed with Memento Mori which translates as ‘remember thy death’.
“Worn on the little finger they were a reminder to the wearer to live a life without sin as they will be held accountable in death.
“This was the height of fashion in the early 18th century.
“The Tucker surname originates from the West of England as the name for a fuller (someone who cleanses wool).”
The sale takes place on March 14.