Rome, ca. post 30 CE. Solid silver ring showcases a solid gold intaglio with the face of Tiberius (Emperor from 14-37 CE). Tiberius was one of Roman's greatest generals, and was adopted by Augustus after marrying his daughter Julia the Elder. However, it seems that Tiberius did not wish to be emperor, and Pliny the Elder called him tristissimus hominum, "the gloomiest of men." Silver was a common material for rings throughout the classical world, being in favor with people who could not afford gold, but wanted something nicer than a common bronze signet. Many of these would have had studs or nails of gold inserted into the bezel; some authors theorize that these symbolically warded off the "evil eye". Ring size US 10-10.5, and slightly under 1" diameter. The height at the bezel is just under 1/2".

Provenance: Ex-private York, UK collection acquired on the British art market before 2000

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#109553

Ring is polished with little wear; the bezel coin also has very little wear.