Roman Gold 'Talismanic' Ring with Inscriptions

3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (3.80 grams, 18.19 mm overall, 14.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)).

Comprising chamfered sloped shoulders and ellipsoid bezel; engraved with later blundered Latin legends in capitals: left shoulder - ‘REBET ?IA SESTE’ (It is rebated), bezel - ‘VIVAS CVM CAECI’ (Live with Caecus), right shoulder - ‘CAFELIX ET CVM RTIO’ (Safe and comfortable).

Provenance

Private collection, Europe.
Acquired on the English art market.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13044-248372.

Literature

Cf. similar example in Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 319, for type.

Footnotes

The ring is extensively engraved with the following Latin words and approximate translations: Left shoulder - ‘REBET ?IA SESTE’ - It is rebated. Bezel - ‘VIVAS CVM CAECI’ - Live with Caecus. Right shoulder - ‘CAFELIX ET CVM RTIO’ - Safe and comfortable. The Latin expression can be understood as part of a personal protective message.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0156