{"product_id":"roman-bronze-ring-verecundus-2nd-3rd-c-ce-standing-figure-bezel","title":"Roman Bronze Ring - 'Verecundus' (2nd–3rd c. CE) EU 46 \/ US 3.75","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Roman bronze signet ring named 'Verecundus', engraved with a standing god, most likely Mercury, patron of trade, travel and good fortune. Sharply flared shoulders end in pointed corners on either side of the small raised disc that carries the figure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eA single standing figure fills the disc: he wears a cap, holds a short slanted rod in his outstretched hand and keeps a long forked staff close to his body, the fork rising to shoulder height. He is most likely Mercury, for the cap and the forked staff match two of his best-known attributes: the petasos, his travelling hat, and the caduceus, the herald's staff, cut at this small scale as a simple fork. A Genius with a cornucopia, or Bonus Eventus with ears of grain, is the other possible reading. Mercury protected merchants and travellers and brought wealth, so to the wearer he promised profit, safe roads and a lucky outcome. As messenger of the gods he was also trusted to keep their secrets, which made him a fitting god for a seal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 46 \/ US 3.75\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Earthen encrustation over a sandy brown and green patina; the engraved figure softened by wear, its outline and attributes still readable\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private family collection assembled in the 1960s, later inherited by the previous owner (K.V.D., Belgium).\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-588-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eCast bronze rings with a pointed-oval plan, sharply projecting shoulders and a small raised disc bezel form a well-documented Roman family, comparable to Guiraud type 3e and Henig Type VIII. The figure was engraved straight into the ring's own metal in the manner of a cut gemstone, a cheaper route that put a personal seal within reach of many. Pressed into wax, the intaglio left the figure in relief, and rings like this sealed letters, documents and stored goods as their owner's mark. Standing deities were among the commonest devices on such signets, and Mercury one of the most popular of them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one small engraving, the ring carried both its owner's signature and a daily wish for good fortune.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ancient-roman-rings\"\u003eRoman rings\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63679879348554,"sku":"R-588-B","price":480.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/roman-bronze-ring-mercurialis-oblique-view-of-raised-disc-bezel-with-engraved-st-1.jpg?v=1790374101","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-bronze-ring-verecundus-2nd-3rd-c-ce-standing-figure-bezel","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}