Gold ring treasure found in field

The ring was said to be up to 96% pure gold

A metal detector enthusiast has told an inquest how he uncovered a 1,200 year old gold ring in a field near Mold.

Welding engineer David Robinson from Garden City, Deeside, discovered the artefact, thought to date from the 9th or 10th Century, in October 2004.

The ring was formally declared treasure by the coroner and will now go to a panel in London for valuation.

The inquest was told the National Museum and Galleries in Cardiff was interested in buying the ring.

The inquest in Wrexham heard that Mr Robinson uncovered the ring at Nercwys near Mold while out metal detecting with his friend Philip Rogers of Connah's Quay.

The enthusiasts had found Victorian pennies and halfpennies in the field before.

The pair now have to wait to see what the medieval ring is valued at

But then Mr Robinson's detector picked up strong signals and the ring was found about four to five inches below the field's surface.

'Pure gold'

"On closer examination I realised what it was. I said 'I think I've found a gold ring and Phil said 'Yes, that looks like gold".

Mr Robinson, who told the inquest that he was interested in Welsh history and had always wanted to find something old, said he had agreed with the landowner Richard Jones that they would share any proceeds.

The inquest heard the artefact was later sent for examination to Cardiff's National Museum where experts found the ring, which weighs 5.63 grammes, was between 94% to 96% pure gold.

Museum experts compared the ring with similar objects and on the balance of probability they had dated it from the early medieval period during the ninth and tenth centuries.

Declaring the artefact treasure, deputy coroner for north east Wales John Gittins said it would now go to a valuations committee in London.

Outside court Mr Robinson, who goes metal detecting once or twice a month, said it was the first time he had found anything of real worth.

He said he had "no idea" as to the ring's value.

A medieval gold ingot, found by Robert Hulse at Trefor near Llangollen while digging potatoes in his garden, was also declared treasure at the inquest.