Questions and Answers on Ancient Rings, Coins and Jewelry

Roman bronze signet ring Numerius Faber held in gloved hand, deity intaglio visible on oval bezel
Ring Iconography Guide: Symbols and Meanings Across Cultures
Decode ring symbols across Christian, Greco-Roman, military, magical, Hebrew, Islamic, and Egyptian traditions. Cross variants, ouroboros, ankh, evil eye, AGLA, eagle, IHS. Period-correct dating + anachronism detection. Read more...
“Henricus” – Medieval Silver Seal Ring with Cross (12th–14th Century AD) – EU 65 / US 11 Aurora Antiqua
Fede, Posy, Mourning Rings: Devotional and Gift Rings 1200-1900
Three ring traditions from 13th-19th century: fede (clasped hands betrothal rings), posy (inscribed love mottos), mourning (memento mori). Identification, dating, authentication, market prices. Read more...
Early medieval gold ring Eadric with incised motif, three quarter view
Ancient Ring Materials Guide: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Iron
Bronze, silver, gold, iron in ancient Roman, Byzantine, Medieval, and Crusader rings: how to identify each metal, how it ages underground, what authentic surfaces look like, and the price tiers... Read more...
Early Medieval Silver Ring with Cross Motif – “Ward” (9th–12th c. AD) – EU 51 / US 5.75 Aurora Antiqua
Medieval Crusader Rings: Identification + Provenance Guide
Crusader rings explained: 11th-13th century military, pilgrim, and clerical rings with Christian iconography. Cross variants, military-order insignia, materials, authentication, and market pricing €200 to €10,000. Read more...
'Minvera' - Roman Gold Ring (1st-1st CE/BCE) EU 58 / US 8.5 Aurora Antiqua
Roman Intaglio Rings Explained: A Collector's Guide
Roman intaglio rings: engraved gemstones set into metal bezels, used as personal seals. Carnelian, sard, agate, garnet, amethyst, glass paste. Iconography, valuation, authentication, and price tiers €200 to €5,000+. Read more...
“Leo Fortis” – Roman Bronze Ring with Lion Intaglio (1st–3rd Century AD) – EU 57 / US 8 Aurora Antiqua
How to Authenticate an Ancient Roman Ring: 7 Markers + Test Methods
The seven physical markers to check on a Roman ring: patina, shank construction, bezel wear, intaglio die-style, weight, iconography, magnetism. Plus the four most common Roman ring fakes. Read more...
Obverse of Roman silver denarius of Trajan, legend IMP CAES NER TRAIAN OPTIM AVG GERM DAC, radiate or laureate bust right.
How to Read a Roman Emperor Coin Portrait: An Identification Guide
Identify any Roman emperor from coin portrait alone: hairstyle, beard, crown, jawline, period style. Diagnostic chart from Augustus to Constantine with worked examples. Read more...
Obverse of Roman silver denarius of Trajan, legend IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P, radiate or laureate bust right.
Buying Your First Roman Coin: A Practical Beginner's Guide
Step-by-step guide for first-time Roman coin buyers: what to buy, where to buy, what €100 to €500 actually gets you, how to spot fakes, and how Aurora's lifetime authenticity guarantee... Read more...
Obverse of Roman silver antoninianus of Philip I, legend IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate or laureate bust right.
What Are the Roman Coin Denominations? Denarius, Sestertius, Antoninianus, and the Rest
A complete guide to Roman currency from the Republic through the late Empire (denarius, sestertius, antoninianus, aureus, dupondius, as) with weights, fineness, dating, and how to value each one today. Read more...
Obverse of Aurora’s Trajan denarius, used as this guide’s header image.
What Do the Letters on Roman Coins Mean? A Latin Glossary
Read Roman coin letters with a documented Trajan example, common imperial titles and a practical method for uncertain or worn inscriptions. Read more...
Roman silver denarius of Nero, 66-67 AD, RIC I-67, an example of a well-documented type from established European collections.
Are Ancient Roman Coins Legal to Own? A Country-by-Country Guide
Country-by-country legal status of owning and trading ancient Roman coins. Source-country restrictions, provenance, the 1970 UNESCO Convention, and import rules. Read more...
Roman silver ring 'Lavinia', 2nd-3rd century CE, EU size 60 / US 9.25, photographed against a neutral background.
Roman Ring Sizes: A Practical Guide for Collectors
Ancient Roman rings do not follow modern size standards. Full conversion table from inner diameter (mm) to EU, US, and UK ring sizes, with historical context. Read more...