A former soldier unearthed a rare Roman gold ring in southwest England. The 1,700-year-old artefact features the goddess Victoria. Experts call it an unparalleled discovery for Britain. The South West Heritage Trust acquired the ring and a coin hoard. It will be displayed for public education after being shown to schoolchildren.

The Ilminster Ring was originally found by an amateur metal detectorist in 2018 and bought this week for more than $100,000.

Former army soldier and lorry driver Kevin Minto and his friend Phil Costello unearthed the ring while they were searching for treasure close to the Somerset village of Ilminster.