ROMAN GOLD RING WITH GRASSHOPPER INTAGLIO

Ca. 1st century AD
A gold finger ring formed of a rounded hoop that expands at the shoulders. The bezel is set with an convex agate intaglio depicting a grasshopper standing over a stalk of wheat. The meaning of the motif is difficult to discern, but it was often used as a control mark on Roman coinage.
Size: D:18.14mm / US: 8 / UK: P 1/2; Weight: 5g
Provenance: Private UK collection, acquired on the German art market. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
Estimate: GBP 1500 - 2500