Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Intaglio of Faustulus and Romulus
02
days
08
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Current bid
€ 1,800
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 2,300 - € 2,800
63 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 4953 | €1,800 | |
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| Bidder 4953 | €1,700 | |
| Bidder 4953 | €1,600 | |
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Ancient Roman gold ring with an amethyst intaglio depicting Faustulus and Romulus, dating to circa 1st–3rd century AD, in very good condition, measuring 1.7 cm wide and 2.1 cm high with a UK size J, from a private collection (ex Mayfair collection).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A fine ancient Roman gold ring comprising of a round section hoop with expanding shoulders and an oval bezel marked by an internal groove. The ring is enriched by an amethyst which displays a deep purple colour and a wide, horizontal white band. The stone is finely carved with the image of two male figures. To the right, an old man is depicted with his back hunched, holding onto a cane and possibly carrying an object onto his shoulders. In front of him stands a naked young boy who carries a tall palm frond. In Roman mythology, the palm branch was a symbol of eternity and triumph, seen as a favourable omen linked to the legends of the origins of Rome. This allows to identify the two figures as Romulus, the mythological founder of Rome, and Faustulus, the shepherd who found him and his twin brother Remus along the banks of the Tiber River, as the infants were being nursed by the she-wolf.
Measurements: W 1.7cm x H 2.1cm; closest UK ring size: J
Provenance: Ex Mayfair collection, 2000's. Previously collection of a North American gentleman, 1990's.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A fine ancient Roman gold ring comprising of a round section hoop with expanding shoulders and an oval bezel marked by an internal groove. The ring is enriched by an amethyst which displays a deep purple colour and a wide, horizontal white band. The stone is finely carved with the image of two male figures. To the right, an old man is depicted with his back hunched, holding onto a cane and possibly carrying an object onto his shoulders. In front of him stands a naked young boy who carries a tall palm frond. In Roman mythology, the palm branch was a symbol of eternity and triumph, seen as a favourable omen linked to the legends of the origins of Rome. This allows to identify the two figures as Romulus, the mythological founder of Rome, and Faustulus, the shepherd who found him and his twin brother Remus along the banks of the Tiber River, as the infants were being nursed by the she-wolf.
Measurements: W 1.7cm x H 2.1cm; closest UK ring size: J
Provenance: Ex Mayfair collection, 2000's. Previously collection of a North American gentleman, 1990's.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 1st - 3rd century AD
Name of object
Ring with Intaglio of Faustulus and Romulus
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2010
Material
Gold
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
