Roman Empire, circa 300 AD.
This rare silver legionary ring features a dark red jasper intaglio finely carved with Roman Imperial eagle standing between two military standards.
The jasper intaglio measures 14 x 12 mm (9/16 x 7/16 in.)
Weight is 7.82 grams
The ring is all original, intact, and wearable. Excellent condition for its age and bold design.
Approximate ring size 8.5 – 9 (20 mm). Resizable.
This is the nicest legionary silver ring we have ever seen.
A comparable legionary intaglio set in ancient iron ring is in the collection of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (UK). The intaglio features an eagle standing on an altar flanked by two military standards and clasped hands below. According to the museum catalog, the Eagle was a symbol of Zeus, the Emperor, the legions, the Empire and Imperial victory.
The military standards, as a symbol of legions, were featured on numerous issues of Roman coins starting from Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony in the 1st century BC and until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD.
Rings of this shape traditionally date to circa 300 – 400 AD.
