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_900x900.jpg "Roman Bronze Ring with Sol Invictus")
_200x200.jpg "Roman Bronze Ring with Sol Invictus")
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LOT 0738
Roman Bronze Ring with Sol Invictus
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (3.72 grams, 21.78 mm overall, 18.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)).
Composed of a carinated hoop and oval bezel set with a glass intaglio crowned bust facing left.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Humer, F., Kremer, G., Pollhammer, E., Pülz, A., AD 313 Von Carnuntum zum Christentum, Bad Voslau, 2014, nos.40, for similar gemstones representing the Sol Invictus.
FootnotesThe portrait could be interpreted as wearing a radiated crown, thus an image of Sol Invictus, common in gems for rings of the 3rd century A.D., where the young face of the Sun-Helios is often visible in profile, looking to the left, with the radiate crown on his head. The cult of Sol Invictus was favoured by the Illyrian emperors and elevated in Rome by Aurelian to one of the premier divinities of the Empire.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Mixed Glass Bead Group
2nd-5th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £124
Including tubular, melon, biconvex, fusiform, and oblate types. 98 grams total, 3-50 mm
Ex W.J. collection, 1990s. -
Roman Gemstone with Lion Face
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
The animal depicted incuse on domed face of a polished garnet cabochon; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.73 grams, 12 mm
UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Hattatt Collection Brooch Group
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising: an iron Alesia-type brooch with deep tapering bow, long foot with recurved integral knop, curled hinge; the type of Gaulish origin; mounted on a custom-made display panel stand with Hattatt collection description and further information on a label to the reverse; inked collection number to the reverse of the bow; the other a bronze trumpet brooch with moulded arc decorations on the head, sprung pin moving freely, tapering body with acanthus motif; horizontal ribbing and zigzag motifs, plain underfoot; retaining swivel chain loop with traces of red enamel; collection number to the reverse of the bow. 25.6 grams total, 63-70 mm (82 grams total, 85 mm high including stand)
Alesia type found near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK; trumpet type found in Northamptonshire, UK.
Hattatt remarks of the Alesia brooch: 'In remarkably fine condition for iron, this could well have been worn by one of the Roman invaders.'
