Lot 72
FINE ROMAN GOLD RING WITH GARNET INTAGLIO
C. 2ND - 3RD CENTURY A.D.
Auction: 26 November 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
gold ring with thick shoulders and tapered band with a centrally bezel set, oval shaped cabochon garnet with engraved intaglio of Minerva wearing a helmet and long chiton, holding a spear and shield
Dimensions
UK: I, US: 4¾
Provenance
Acquired by Stanley J. Seeger (1930–2011);
Thence by descent.
Footnote
The intaglio engraved onto the stone on this ring would appear to depict Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, identifiable through her military costume. Minerva was a popular choice of goddess to adorn the reverse of imperial coins due to her suggestion of military readiness and divine favour in battle. Particular iconographic similarities between this intaglio and a silver denarius of Septimus Severus minted in A.D. 195-196 may suggest a dating of the ring to the late 2nd century to early 3rd century A.D.