Dutch state buys historic gold ring saved for nation for €83,000

A medieval gold ring that was found by a metal detector enthusiast in Friesland has been bought by the Dutch state for €83,150.

The ring, which dates from the 9th or 10th century, was dug up in 1997 on an industrial estate near the village of Sumar and is said to be in unusually good condition.

It depicts Jesus as the lamb of God, surrounded by the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The finder, Pieter de Jong initially planned to sell the object through an international auction house, but the move was blocked last year by culture minister Eppo Bruins, who declared it an object of “irreplaceable historic value”.

Bruins triggered a process that gave Dutch buyers six weeks to make an offer for the ring, otherwise the state would acquire it for the national collection.

His successor, Rianne Letschert, said it had been saved for the nation. “It means we’re all owners in a small way and as many people as possible can continue to admire it.”

The ring is currently on loan to a regional museum in Burgum, Friesland, where it has been on display. The government has not decided which museum should be entrusted with it now it is part of the national collection.