Ancient Roman Bronze Ring
09
days
19
hours
03
minutes
21
seconds
Current bid
€ 200
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
12 other people are watching this object
 | €200 | |
|---|---|---|
| €190 | |
| €180 | |
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Roman bronze ring, 19 mm in diameter, dating to the 1st–3rd Century AD, in good condition with a stand, acquired in 2025 from a German private collection, with a Certificate of Authenticity and export license.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Ring
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 19 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes stand
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the european union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Roman rings were far more than simple adornments; they served as essential markers of social identity and legal authority within the empire. During the Republican era, an iron ring was a symbol of Roman citizenship, but as the empire expanded and wealth increased, gold rings became a strictly regulated privilege known as the ius annuli aurei. This right was initially reserved for senators and equestrians, though it was later extended to other classes. These rings often functioned as signets, featuring an engraved gemstone (intaglio) used to press a unique seal into wax for authenticating documents and securing property.
The materials and stones used in Roman rings reflected the vast reach of imperial trade networks. Master jewelers worked with gold, silver, and bronze, often setting them with semi-precious stones like carnelian, jasper, amethyst, and amber. A popular style was the "hoop" ring, which could be plain or elaborately chased with geometric patterns. By the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the dextrarum iunctio ring—depicting two clasped right hands—became a common gift to commemorate marriage or a formal agreement, symbolizing concord and fidelity between two parties.
In the later stages of the empire, ring designs became increasingly heavy and ornate, mirroring the broader shift toward more flamboyant personal display. This period saw the rise of multi-bezel rings and rings inscribed with "vives" or "utere felix" (use this happily) as well as early Christian symbols like the Chi-Rho or a fish. Beyond their role as jewelry, some rings were designed with functional "key" mechanisms to open small caskets, while others served as talismans, engraved with deities like Hercules or Victoria to protect the wearer from the "evil eye." These small objects remain one of the most personal links to the daily lives and superstitions of the Roman people.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Ring
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 19 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes stand
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the european union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Roman rings were far more than simple adornments; they served as essential markers of social identity and legal authority within the empire. During the Republican era, an iron ring was a symbol of Roman citizenship, but as the empire expanded and wealth increased, gold rings became a strictly regulated privilege known as the ius annuli aurei. This right was initially reserved for senators and equestrians, though it was later extended to other classes. These rings often functioned as signets, featuring an engraved gemstone (intaglio) used to press a unique seal into wax for authenticating documents and securing property.
The materials and stones used in Roman rings reflected the vast reach of imperial trade networks. Master jewelers worked with gold, silver, and bronze, often setting them with semi-precious stones like carnelian, jasper, amethyst, and amber. A popular style was the "hoop" ring, which could be plain or elaborately chased with geometric patterns. By the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the dextrarum iunctio ring—depicting two clasped right hands—became a common gift to commemorate marriage or a formal agreement, symbolizing concord and fidelity between two parties.
In the later stages of the empire, ring designs became increasingly heavy and ornate, mirroring the broader shift toward more flamboyant personal display. This period saw the rise of multi-bezel rings and rings inscribed with "vives" or "utere felix" (use this happily) as well as early Christian symbols like the Chi-Rho or a fish. Beyond their role as jewelry, some rings were designed with functional "key" mechanisms to open small caskets, while others served as talismans, engraved with deities like Hercules or Victoria to protect the wearer from the "evil eye." These small objects remain one of the most personal links to the daily lives and superstitions of the Roman people.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Ring
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
