The five-sided silver mount, thought to be part of a belt, was discovered by amateur metal detectorist Michael Smith, 53, on farmland in Thorner, Leeds in June 2008.

An inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court yesterday heard that Mr Smith had been out searching the field with the permission of the landowner when his equipment alerted him to a metal object under the soil.

Digging down just a few inches beneath the surface, he discovered the pretty silver piece, cast in the form of a ring with five equally spaced five-petalled rosettes around the circumference and a slipped trefoil in the centre.

Mr Smith, who has been metal detecting for 18 years, alerted the proper authorities who assessed if the find should be regarded as treasure, based on its age and precious metal content.

Investigations revealed that the piece was late medieval and probably dated from the 14th or 15th century.

At yesterday's hearing, West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff ruled that the find was treasure.

The hearing heard that Leeds Museum have expressed an interest in acquiring the piece for display.

It will now go before the Treasure Valuation Committee where it will be
decided what value is to be placed on it.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Smith, from Cottingley, told the YEP: "People ask how much these things are worth, but we're not in it for that, it's just a real buzz finding things and looking at your collection at home."

He added: "It's a shame the council don't allow metal detecting on their land as detectorists could donate finds to the museum and it's great for kids to see the history that was around here."