A RING from the 17th century which was found near Whitchurch "is treasure" a coroner has declared.
The 400-year-old artefact was discovered by Paul Malpass in Prees on January 30, this year.
It dates back to 1625, which was the Stuart-era, and has a floral design.
An inquest into the find was held at Shirehall in Shrewsbury, on Thursday (August 11) and was chaired by coroner for Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, John Ellery.
Whitchurch Museum and Archives is interested in acquiring the treasure, the hearing was told.
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Mr Ellery said: "While searching with a metal detector, he [Mr Malpass] found the finger ring with an inscription on it.
"The exterior is decorated with elaborate floral design and there are traces of black on it.
"It weighs 4.5 grams, it's external diameter is 19.6mm and the internal one is 16.2mm.
"The hoop with is 4.2mm and the hoop thickness is 1.8mm."
Mr Elllery concluded the ring was treasure and added: "The finger ring is older than 300 years and with treasure falls under the requirements of the Treasure Act and I declare it treasure."
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