A one-of-its-kind golden jewel found near Alton, Hampshire, UK, is expected to realise £50,000 when it auctions later this month.
It was discovered by an anonymous collector with a metal detector on a farm, along with a number of other ancient coins, in 1998.
The Roman-era haul has since been studied by the British Museum. It was recently released to the finder, who will share the sale's proceeds with the farmer on whose land it was discovered.
 The Alton Jewel, estimated at £30,000-50,000 |
Dated to circa 1st century AD, the unique jewel is surmounted by a pediment inscribed "TI CAESAR", with a broad laurel wreath affixed at the top.
The front section bears bust of the emperor, Tiberius Claudius, wearing a laurel wreath and sporting a Julio-Claudian hairstyle.
Held by TimeLine Auctions, the sale takes place on March 19 in London and will feature more than 600 ancient and medieval coins and antiquities.
Meanwhile, the respected historian David Starkey has launched a campaign to raise £3.3m to keep an Anglo-Saxon archaeological find, also uncovered with a metal detector, near its county of origin.
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Images: TimelineAuctions
