ROMAN GOLD LEGIONARY RING WITH "FIDEM" INSCRIPTION
Ca. 300 AD.
A gold finger ring with a D-shaped hoop and a slightly raised, rectangular bezel bearing the inscription "FIDEM" ("Loyalty"). It is thought that inscriptions of this type express loyalty to the reigning emperor, indicating that this piece probably belonged to a Roman legionary or centurion. Excellent condition; wearable. For a comparable example, see Christie's, Live Auction 1313, Ancient Jewelry, 11 December 2003, Lot 519.
Size: D: 18.34mm / US: 8 1/4 / UK: Q; 4.44g
Provenance: Private London collector, acquired on the Austrian Art market; formerly in an old USA collection, formed since the 1970s.
Estimate: GBP 750 - 1500