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LOT 0903
Roman Silver Ring with Mercury Gemstone
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (20.69 grams, 33.42 mm overall, 21.22 x 15.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)).
A D-section silver hoop with flared shoulders, flat scaphoid plaque with openwork scrolls to the edges, scroll detailing to the plaque, inset glass bezel with intaglio image of Mercury in petasos standing with caduceus and marsupium(?) in his right hand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx property of a London gentleman; acquired in the 1980s.
LiteratureCf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 215.
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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