"Gift to Hercules" Inscribed Gold Finger Ring

Code: 10152

This is an ancient Roman gold finger ring, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The ring has a vesica-shaped bezel, with a beaded wire border. It is inscribed 'VOTHER', abbreviated for "a gift to Hercules" (Vot Her). Hercules,  during the Roman period was venerated as a divinized hero and incorporated into the legends of Rome's founding. Such a "gift" would have been presented to the Temple or Shrine of Hercules, buried as a thank-offering for a prayer that had been answered. The size of the ring would suggest to me that it once belonged to a man, so this may have been a gift from a soldier, made from proceeds of treasure taken in combat. A nice historic ring, in good wearable condition.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold

RING SIZE:    8 3/4  (US)       R 1/4  (UK)

SIZE: 23mm x 21mm x 9mm

WEIGHT: 6.04 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. property of a private collector; acquired before 1975.