Metal detectorist, 85, finds former PM's golden ring in field which sells for £9.5k at auction
A gold signet ring which was discovered in a field and identified as belonging to a former prime minister, has been sold for £9,500
Noonans
A gold signet ring which was discovered in a field and identified as belonging to a former prime minister, has been sold for £9,500.
Metal detectorist Tom Clark, 85, located the treasure in a pasture for sheep near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
It was later discovered that the ring was previously owned by George Grenville - the UK prime minister between 1763 and 1765.
The piece of jewellery was sold to an American buyer at Noonans Mayfair's auction.
Metal detectorist Tom Clark located the treasure in a pasture for sheep near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Noonans
Clarke said: "I didn’t watch the sale as I was out metal-detecting.
"I would like to put the money in my bank account, but I am sure that my wife will have ideas of how to spend it!"
The 18th Century prime minister was removed from his role by King George III after laws he implemented triggered protests in what were then the American colonies.
According to Noonans' artefact and coin expert, Nigel Mills, the ring was passed down to his second son, named George.
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He was also a member of Parliament.
George held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, before being honoured with the title of Marquess of Buckingham, and resided near the location where the ring was discovered.
Half of the proceeds from the sale will be given to the land owner.
It comes after treasure was found in a farmer's field in Cumbria last year.
The 18th Century prime minister was removed from his role by King George III after laws he implemented triggered protests in what were then the American colonies
Noonans
Jacob Purdie, from Lancaster, discovered jewellery more than 400 years old in a field in Burton-in-Kendal.
It was ruled to be treasure by the county's coroner in December and is awaiting valuation.
He found a filigree gold pin head and a quarter noble - a rare gold hammered coin - while out metal detecting