Roman, 3rd century A.D.

Gold

D: 2.5 cm - Ring size: 6.5

Serial: 14321

Provenance: European art market, 2001

Seal rings with similar beveled shoulders, widening towards the bezel, incised volute curls at the corners of shoulder and bezel, and an inset coin or gemstone for stamping wax, were in circulation throughout the western Empire from the late second and into the fourth century.

This ring most likely once functioned as the seal of a well-to-do Roman, but has since lost its engraved component which was replaced by a gold shield.