A British grandfather’s passion for metal detecting paid off when he unearthed a rare Roman gold coin in a field near Dudley, West Midlands, eventually selling it at auction for £4,700.
An Unexpected Discovery After Years of Searching
Ron Walters, 76, from Kingswinford, had been combing the same field near Wall Heath for more than six years using his metal detector. Little did he know that his persistence would uncover a piece of ancient history nearly 2,000 years old.
What he discovered was an aureus, a rare Roman gold coin minted during the reign of Emperor Aulus Vitellius in AD 69, also known as the “Year of the Four Emperors.” This year saw a chaotic succession of rulers, with Vitellius holding power for just eight months—a brief reign that has left behind very few surviving artifacts, especially gold coins.
“I couldn’t believe what I was holding in my hand,” said Walters. “I’ve found bits and bobs before, but never anything like this.”
Historical Significance of the Coin
The aureus of Emperor Vitellius is significant due to its rarity and historical context. Vitellius’ short-lived rule came at a time of civil unrest following the death of Emperor Nero. Coins from his time are seldom found, particularly in such well-preserved condition.
According to The British Museum, Roman coins offer important insights into politics, economy, and leadership during ancient times. Gold coins like the aureus were used for high-value transactions and often bore the image and name of the ruling emperor.
From Field to Auction House
After reporting the find and going through the proper legal channels—essential in the UK for the discovery of historical artifacts—Walters consigned the coin to Fieldings Auctioneers in Stourbridge. On March 27, 2025, the coin fetched a hammer price of £4,700, purchased by a private collector from Scotland.
Despite being buried for nearly 1,900 years, the coin remained in remarkable condition, which helped boost its value at auction.
“It’s an incredibly rare piece, especially in this state,” said a spokesperson from Fieldings Auctioneers. “It’s the kind of thing most metal detectorists dream of.”
You can learn more about how metal detector finds are handled in the UK on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website.
Proceeds and Legal Process
In accordance with UK law, the discovery was reported to the relevant authorities and reviewed to ensure it wasn’t part of a larger hoard or treasure trove. Walters and the landowner—who gave him permission to search the field—agreed to split the proceeds from the sale.
The legal process of declaring and reporting found artifacts is managed through the Treasure Act 1996, which requires that valuable historical finds be declared to a local coroner. For more information, you can visit the UK government’s official page on reporting treasure finds.
The Rise of Hobby Metal Detecting
This story highlights the increasing popularity and potential rewards of hobby metal detecting in the UK. Many enthusiasts use it as a way to connect with history, spend time outdoors, and sometimes make astonishing discoveries.
The UK is rich with Roman-era history, particularly in areas that were once part of the Roman Empire’s expansion, such as the West Midlands. Finds like this are a testament to the hidden treasures still buried beneath our feet.
For those interested in taking up metal detecting, guidelines and codes of practice are provided by the National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD).
Final Thoughts From the Finder
Reflecting on his discovery, Walters said he’s still in disbelief over the value of the coin, as many of his previous finds were of little monetary worth.
“It’s not about the money for me—it’s the thrill of the find,” Walters told local reporters. “But I must say, this one felt pretty special.”
In Summary
- The rare Roman gold coin was discovered by 76-year-old Ron Walters in Wall Heath.
- It is an aureus of Emperor Vitellius, who ruled briefly in AD 69.
- The coin sold at auction for £4,700 in March 2025.
- Walters and the landowner split the proceeds.
- The find was reported in accordance with UK law.
Whether you’re a seasoned metal detectorist or just intrigued by historical discoveries, this story is a reminder that extraordinary pieces of the past can still be uncovered today—sometimes even in your own backyard.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
