Roman jewel sells for £30,000

A golden jewel dating back to Roman times which was discovered by a metal detectorist sold at auction for £30,000 yesterday.

The piece, which is believed to have been made in Alexandria in Egypt, was dug up by former bricklayer Pete Beasley, 68, of Portsmouth in Alton, Hampshire, in 1999.

The jewel, which depicts an emperor thought to be Tiberius, dates from the 1st century and is two and a half inches long.

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It is inscribed with the letters Ti CAESAR above the head and has a red stone below.

The item, known as the Alton Jewel, sold at Timeline Auctions at The Swedenborg Hall, London, for 30,000 plus 17.25 per cent buyer's premium making a total cost of 35,175. Its value had been estimated at between 30,000 and 50,000.

Brett Hammond, of Timeline, said: "I think the finder is pleased and hopefully it has gone to a good home where it will be cherished."

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