Roman Key Ring

Roman bronze key ring

ring 24 mm, height 33 mm

13.72g

2nd century AD

A Roman Signifer (standard bearer) was also the cohorts banker. He kept records of what the soldiers deposited with him for safe keeping and he had the key to the strong box. Not only did the soldiers protect the Signifer to prevent the standard from being captured (which would be a disgrace) but also so that they could get their money back!

There is no way to know if this was an actual Signifer key as many other professions would have items locked away.