Rare gold coin found by metal detectorist in farmer's field sells for £4,700

The coin is nearly 2,000 years old

A rare gold coin, discovered by a metal detectorist in a farmer's field near Dudley, has sold for £4,700 at auction.

The coin, which dates back to 69AD, was found by 76-year-old Ron Walters, from Wall Heath, in May last year.

It is said to be the first aureus of emperor Aulus Vitellius to ever be recorded as a find in England.

After Ron's discovery, the coin was sent to the British Museum, which disclaimed it. It was then returned to Ron before it went under the hammer at Fieldings Auctioneers in Stourbridge, West Midlands on Thursday.

The item sold for £4,700 - an incredible sum which will be split between the landowner and Ron.

The coin is a significant find, as Aulus Vitellius was a Roman emperor for eight months, from 19 April to 20 December AD 69 - the last of Nero's three short-lived successors.

He came to power after the defeat of Emperor Otho in a civil war between rival claimants to the imperial throne.

His reign was characterized by indulgence in luxury, feasting, and an excessive lifestyle, which contrasted with the growing instability within the empire.

The emperor's aureus coins are typically found in the provinces of Gaul, and this is the first time that one has been discovered in England.

The coin is in good condition for its age, with some wear and tear to be expected. It is a valuable addition to any coin collection.

Speaking after the coin sold at auction, Ron said: "I was told by my wife to bugger off and get out the house for a bit, which I was glad I did.

"I was out for a couple of hours and I picked a signal up. I started digging a bit but then lost the signal.

"I managed to get this reading again from a clod of earth about 2ft away from me, I broke it open and then this coin dropped into my hand.

"My heart was racing, I just popped it in my pocket and went straight back home.

"In metal detecting circles, a Roman coin is probably among the best things you can find."

When asked how he felt after the coin has fetched almost 5k at auction, Ron added: "I thought it might go for a bit more but it's been amazing to be part of a historic discovery and it's certainly something to tell the grandkids.

"I'll keep on searching for more treasures with my metal detector but they did tell me this was a once in a lifetime find, so I doubt I'll find anything like this ever again."