An amateur metal detectorist scouring the grounds of a field in Kent has discovered a perfectly preserved gold coin dating back almost 2,000 years.
It is emblazoned with the face of Emperor Allectu who is being touted as the first Brexiteer after he took Britain out of the Roman Empire during his reign around 293AD.
The 24 carat gold coin, known as an Aureus, is expected to sell for £100,000 ($130,000) when it goes to auction later this year.
An anonymous hobbyist found the coin in a newly-ploughed field near an ancient Roman road in Dover, Kent.
The 30-year-old finder initially thought the coin was fake due to its condition until it weighed in at a hefty 4.31 grams - confirming its provenance.
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The well-preserved coin is emblazoned with the face of Emperor Allectus, who is being touted as the first Brexiteer after he took Britain out of the Roman Empire during his reign around 293AD
The 24 carat gold coin, known as an Aureus, is expected to sell for £100,000 when it goes to auction later this year. An anonymous hobbyist found the coin in a newly-ploughed field near an ancient Roman road in Dover, Kent
There is just one other known matching example in in the world which resides in the British Museum.
As as result of its combination of rarity and preservation it is tipped to sell for a six-figure sum when it goes under the hammer at London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb.
The coin, the first Allectus example to be discovered in 50 years, is roughly the size of a one penny piece.
The detectorist said: 'This really is the find of a lifetime for me and the greatest discovery I have made by miles.
'At first I was quite sceptical of its authenticity because it was so shiny but when I realised what it could be potentially I just completely freaked out by it.
'It was then authenticated by the British Museum and the specialist there was just as ecstatic as me. He said it was one of the best finds he had ever seen.'
An anonymous hobbyist found the coin in a newly-ploughed field near an ancient Roman road in Dover, Kent. The 30-year-old finder thought the coin was fake at first as it was in such good condition until it weighed in at a hefty 4.31 grams - confirming its provenance
There is just one other known matching example in in the world which resides in the British Museum. As as result of its combination of rarity and preservation it is tipped to sell for a six-figure sum
Allectus ruled in Britain and northern Gaul from 293 to 296AD.
He is best known for his to attempts to lead a rebel empire, effectively annexing Britain from Rome.
He has been dubbed by many as a 'Brexiteer of his day' and was assassinated in battle in 296AD.
The coin depicts a noble-looking Allectus on one side and on the obverse has two captives kneeling at the feet of Apollo.
The coin was
