THE mystery of an unusual object looks set to be solved nine years after it was dug up by a keen gardener.

The circular coin-like item, with a circumference of approximately one inch, was found by Ruby Nation in the garden of her home in Ingatestone Road, Wanstead.

It features a picture of a man, possible wearing a kilt, bearing a sword and standing near a lion. The image is surrounded by script.

After years of showing the object to visitors to her home and no-one offering a firm conclusion, curiosity has now got the better of the 52-year-old and she has now asked experts at the Museum of London to assess it.

Miss Nation said: "When I first found it I was really excited, but now I just want to know what it is and what it was used for.

"Over the years I go through stages of putting it away and getting it out again.

"Nearly every visitor to my home has been shown it and no-one has ever seen anything remotely similar."

One of Ruby's theories is that the figure on the object could represent Scotland and the lion could represent England, making it a token of Scottish pride at a time of conflict.

But now Mrs Nation is hoping a search for a definitive answer will end.

"I took it in to the Museum of London a few weeks ago, expecting them to poo-poo it, but they were very interested and instantly scribbled down my details," she said.

Richard Arnopp, secretary of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands, initially thought it may be some kind of souvenir of a pilgrimage but is now keeping an open mind.

He said: "The design looks a bit like a fourteenth century seal, but clearly isn't.

"It certainly is interesting and mysterious," Mr Arnopp added.

It is believed translating the script on the object is the key to unlocking the mystery.

Mrs Nation said: "It would be a lovely ending to the story if this item was worth something and I was able to set up my own gardening business from something I found in my own garden."

Numerous Roman artefacts and a villa have been unearthed in nearby Wanstead Park.

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