Ancient Roman Sard Intaglio of Empress Faustina II for a Ring

Code: 10224

This is a wonderful ancient Roman intaglio of an empress, dating to the 2nd century A.D. It is finely cut with the portrait of Faustina II (wife to  Marcus Aurelius and daughter of Antoninus Pius). As with her mother Faustina I, she was deified by her husband, thus as a goddess, her images were worshiped. This gem would have been mounted into a gold or silver ring, used to seal and authenticate letters. Today this ancient gem has survived to us in perfect condition, suitable for remounting into a gold signet ring today. 

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Sard

SIZE: 11.52mm x 9.23mm x 4mm 

WEIGHT: 0.67 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex.Property of a London Gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent.