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LOT 1073

Sold for (Inc. bp): £169

BYZANTINE IRON RING WITH SILVER-GILT BEZEL WITH MONOGRAM OF CONSULAR RANK
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (4.93 grams, 26.33 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)).

Discoid bezel with inset gilt panel, monogram comprising the letters ΥΠΑΤΟΥ (of the Hypatos), meaning 'Man with Consular Rank'.

PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

LITERATURE:
Cf. similar rings in Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 668-673.

FOOTNOTES:
The complex letter monograms seen on these rings are sometimes referred to as 'merchant's marks' and would normally be a personal mark giving a name or phrase of significance to the owner. In this case it seems belonging to a Magistrate with consular rank, the Hypatos.

CONDITION
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