A 15TH century ring found by a metal detector user in a field in Derbyshire is wanted by Derby Museum.
The gold band, which weighs 1.9gm, was unearthed by the enthusiast on land at Barton Blount, near Church Broughton.
An inquest heard that it dated back to between 1400 and 1500 and was inscribed with the French words 'En Bon Desire' which translates as 'in good desire'.
Assistant coroner Louise Pinder told the hearing that the finder of the ring, who did not appear in court, was a local man. His identity has not been revealed.
Details about the exact location where the ring was found were not revealed in court.
Miss Pinder said: "The gold finger ring was unearthed by someone using a metal detector on land in Barton Blount in early November 2013.
"In turn, Derby Museum were made aware of the find and sent it to the British Museum.
"They have analysed the ring and have produced a report for this inquest in which they say the ring is from the 15th century, so sometime between 1400 and 1500, and that it was found in what would probably have been an old ridge and furrow field.
"It is gold and would have originally contained enamel and weighs 1.9gms.
"It is inscribed with French wording that translates as 'in good desire' and has feathers engraved into it.
"There is a declaration of interest from Derby Museum that they wish to acquire it."
A report by Becky Dodson, from the British Museum, concluded that the ring was at least 10 per cent precious metal and was more than 300 years old.
This meant Miss Pinder could declare it as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act at Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner's Court.
When treasure is found – and officially declared at an inquest – museums have first refusal on ownership.
If they are not interested then the treasure can be sold, but the land owner has rights over some of the funds.
Usually 50 per cent of the selling price is handed to the finder and the remaining half to the land owner. The ring's value is not yet known.
Spencer Bailey, pictured, from Derby Museum, said: "We have expressed an interest in buying the ring but we are not committed to doing so.
"What will happen now is that the ring will be independently valued.
"When we discover what the valuation is we will decide if we have the funds, or can raise the funds to buy it."
Two weeks ago a coroner in Derby declared a medieval gold ring, along with a silver pendant, found in a South Derbyshire field as treasure.
The finds by metal detectorist Philip Jackson could be staying in the county after the Derby Museum and Art Gallery expressed an interest in them.
