Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A leaded- bronze signet ring adorned with an incised eagle perched upon its legs, with outstretched wings, and head turned right in profile. The eagle held religious and military significance for the Romans; it was attributed to Jupiter, the most powerful god that assumed the form of an eagle, and in 43 BCE Augustus founded the V Macedonia legion with the eagle as its emblem. Eventually the practice of carrying bronze eagle standard, known as the aquila, in front of marching armies became widespread in the Roman Empire. This ring could have belonged to a soldier as a proud indicator and seal of strength. Size: .875" W x .75" H (2.2 cm x 1.9 cm) Size of eagle signet: .5" W x .65" H (1.3 cm x 1.7 cm); US ring size 5.

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, before 2010

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#157845

Surface wear and softening of details and band slightly bent commensurate with age and use. Great patina - intact and wearable!