Ancient Roman Bronze Ring depicting a dolphin (No Reserve Price)
04
days
22
hours
49
minutes
33
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
No bids placed
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Ancient Roman bronze ring depicting a dolphin, 1st–3rd century A.D., good condition, 22 × 25 mm, acquired in 2025 from a German private collection with provenance from a German antique market (previous owner around 1980), and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and export licence.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Ring depicting a dolphin
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 22 mm x 25 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
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.
In ancient Rome, dolphins held significant symbolic meaning and were often associated with various aspects of Roman life, including maritime trade, naval power, and mythology. Depictions of dolphins, particularly in jewelry such as rings, were common in Roman art and material culture, serving both decorative and symbolic purposes. Dolphin-shaped rings were popular accessories worn by individuals of various social classes, showcasing the wearer's affinity for the sea, wealth, or personal taste.
Dolphin-shaped rings were crafted from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and precious gemstones, with each material conveying different messages and social statuses. Gold dolphin rings, for example, were considered luxurious items reserved for the elite and symbolized wealth, status, and prosperity. Silver and bronze dolphin rings were more affordable and accessible to the general populace, serving as fashionable accessories worn for everyday adornment and personal style.
The dolphin motif in Roman rings also carried symbolic significance beyond mere aesthetics. Dolphins were often associated with the god Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, who was depicted riding dolphins in classical art and mythology. Additionally, dolphins were believed to be creatures of good fortune and protection, and wearing a dolphin ring was thought to bring luck and safeguard the wearer from harm during sea voyages or maritime endeavors.
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 depicting a dolphin
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 22 mm x 25 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
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.
In ancient Rome, dolphins held significant symbolic meaning and were often associated with various aspects of Roman life, including maritime trade, naval power, and mythology. Depictions of dolphins, particularly in jewelry such as rings, were common in Roman art and material culture, serving both decorative and symbolic purposes. Dolphin-shaped rings were popular accessories worn by individuals of various social classes, showcasing the wearer's affinity for the sea, wealth, or personal taste.
Dolphin-shaped rings were crafted from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and precious gemstones, with each material conveying different messages and social statuses. Gold dolphin rings, for example, were considered luxurious items reserved for the elite and symbolized wealth, status, and prosperity. Silver and bronze dolphin rings were more affordable and accessible to the general populace, serving as fashionable accessories worn for everyday adornment and personal style.
The dolphin motif in Roman rings also carried symbolic significance beyond mere aesthetics. Dolphins were often associated with the god Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, who was depicted riding dolphins in classical art and mythology. Additionally, dolphins were believed to be creatures of good fortune and protection, and wearing a dolphin ring was thought to bring luck and safeguard the wearer from harm during sea voyages or maritime endeavors.
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 depicting a dolphin
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
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.
