Bonhams Display Disputed Roman treasure
Published October 18th, 2006
One of the finest Roman treasures known has gone on show in London, despite a continuing row over its ownership.
The value of the 14 silver vessels, known as the Sevso Hoard and dated to about 400AD, has been put at £50-100m.
They have been put on limited show by Bonhams auction house, and its owner, the Marquess of Northampton, wishes to sell them, according to his lawyer.
But the Hungarian government has protested, saying the hoard was found in Hungary and exported illegally.
The hoard includes intricately carved tableware - most notably a dish 70cm (27.5in) across and weighing nearly 9kg (19lb), which carries a dedication to its presumed owner, Sevso or Seuso.
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