Retired firefighter Mark Sell found a remarkable Medieval Bishop's ring in Shipdham, Norfolk, dating back to the 12th to 13th century. The gold ring, discovered in November 2019, is in excellent condition with all its gemstones intact. It will be auctioned at Noonans Mayfair in London, with an estimated value between $19,000 and $23,000. Sell followed protocol by reporting his find to authorities. The ring, while in care of the British Museum, was temporarily displayed for public viewing, highlighting the importance of the Portable Antiquities Scheme that records historical finds.
I was amazed to see a thin line of gold in the clod of mud that I had dug up, and as I wiped away the mud, I could see the bezel of a medieval gold jeweled ring.
The style of jewel setting and its historical context suggest it likely belonged to a Bishop from the 12th or early 13th Century.
The ring is set to be auctioned on March 26 and is estimated to fetch between $19,000 and $23,000, according to the auction house.
After sharing his find with the landowner, Sell reported it to his local finds liaison officer, who is part of the U.K's Portable Antiquities Scheme.
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