Ca. 200 AD. A red gem intaglio bearing an engraved bust of Sol Invictus wearing a radiate crown set in a possibly later gold ring with tapering hoop, and filigree shoulders. Sol Invictus (Latin "Unconquered Sun") was a major divinity in Late Roman Religion. Sol Invictus was a patron of soldiers and became part of the official state religion in AD 274 under Emperor Aurelian. The cult continued into the 5th century. The connection between Sol and soldiers means that this item may well have belonged to a Roman legionary, who wore it in hope of protection during military campaigns. Superb condition. Wearable. Size: D: 17.93mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P; 7.6gProvenance: Property of a London collector; formerly in a Japanesse collection formed in the 1990s.