Late Roman Inscribed Silver Ring for Konstantinos

CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (2.48 grams, 19.61 mm overall, 17.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)).

Comprising an octagonal band with rounded inside, engraved inscription in Greek on four facets reading 'ΚΟΝ ΑΝΒ /ΟΗΑ ΙΑΤΟ /ΥΥΨ ΙϹΤΟ/ +ΘΚ ΑΤΟΙ', interspersed with a palm branches on the other facets.

Provenance

Ex London, UK, collection, 2000s.

Accompanied by a copy of a statement of opinion from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 210711.

Literature

Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 223, for type.

Footnotes

This type of ring (type III, Variant 1, of the Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is common among gold and silver examples since the 3rd century A.D. The inscription on our ring, however, shows Christian elements (such as the palm branch) which allow a dating to the 4th-5th century A.D. The inscription '+ΘΚ ΑΤΟΙ /ΚΟΝ ΑΝΒ /ΟΗΑ ΙΑΤΟ /ΥΥΨ ΙϹΤΟ' is not simple to interpret. It could be read as '+Θ(ΕΟΤΟΚ)E A (ΓΙΑ) TOI/ KON(ϹΤ)ΑΝ (TINΩ) B/OH(Θ EI) A(Γ)ΙΑ TO/ Υ ΥΨΙϹΤΟ' = 'Holy Mother of God help Constantine from the heights of your Holiness [Konstantinos being the possible owner of the ring]'.

CONDITION

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