Hursley gold posy ring

This gold posy ring was found on 26 August 2012 in a field near Winchester, Hampshire. It was recorded at the PAS as HAMP-62C152, declared Treasure and disclaimed. It is in the form of a belt with a buckle and five unused “holes”. The exterior inscription reads +HOPE * IS * MI HOLDE and continues around the interior TILL * HAP * SHALL * HELPE. The auctioneer says “The inscription is somewhat enigmatic and does not seem to have been previously recorded for a posy ring“. It is believed to date from 1500 – 1700.