15th century gold ring sells for $54,000 at Sotheby's

A 15th century gold ring discovered by a metal detectorist has realised £35,000 ($53,914) at Sotheby's London.

ring 15th century
The ring was found on the grounds of Launde Abbey

The piece was discovered on the grounds of Launde Abbey in Leicestershire, UK, the former home of Thomas Cromwell's son, Gregory.

It beat an estimate of £30,000 ($46,078) by 16.6%.

Erik Bijzet, old master sculpture and works of art specialist at Sotheby's, explained in the run-up to the July 9 sale: "The movement of wealthy patrons around a major monastery, the violence with which the rich institution must have taken for the Crown, and the importance of the subsequent inhabitants are all reasons for a ring of this significance to have been deposited in its vicinity."

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