A ROMAN GOLD FINGER RING

CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN GOLD FINGER RING
Circa 3rd Century A.D.
Cast with a plain hoop, round on the exterior, flat on the interior, with large granules on either side where it joins the circular bezel, the slightly tapering bezel open on the top and bottom, each side with an over-hanging rim with a concave groove which loosely encloses an ancient Greek coin (an electrum hekte minted by the city of Phokaia, circa 425 B.C.) with a helmeted head of Athena on one side, a quadripartite mill-sale incuse on the reverse
9/16 in. (1.4 cm) bezel width; ring size 7½

Provenance

Ancient Jewelry, Christie's New York, 8 December 1999, lot 123

Lot Essay

It is not uncommon for earlier elements, particularly gems, to be re-used in later jewelry. However, the present ring may be unique in that it incorporates a coin which was already approximately 700 years old at the time the setting was made. The coin was likely a chance find that was cherished for its age, artistic quality or amuletic value.

For the coin compare no. 196 in Jenkins, Ancient Greek Coins.

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