A 17th-century gold ring is estimated to fetch at least $12,000 at a British auction, after being found by a retired school teacher in his back garden.

The historic gold seal ring from 1620 was discovered by Richard McCaie, whilst he was planting a shrub.

The 71-year-old discovered the ring about 10-inches deep on the grounds of his 16th century English farmhouse in Braunton, Devon.

"The ring dates from 1620 and very likely belonged to Humphrey Cockeram of Cullompton in Devon," said Nigel Mills, artifacts and antiquities consultant at Noonans auction house.

"The ring bears a seal with the coat of arms of the Cockeram family and the initials H C behind. Humphrey was recorded as the head of the family in 1620 and lived at Hillersdon Manor in the early 17th century which is 42 miles east of where it was found.

"The family were great patrons of the church, and their name comes from old English ‘Coccan' meaning dweller by the stream."

Mr. McCaie recalled the moment he uncovered the treasure.

"I was very excited when I dug up the ring, which has now been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Database.

"We were amazed when Noonans told us the value and we are planning to use the proceeds from the sale to help our children."

The ring is coming up for auction on Tuesday, March 14.

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