FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Antiquities Discussion Forums => Ancient and Medieval Finger Rings => Topic started by: Mayadigger on January 08, 2022, 06:02:24 pm
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Ave!
Copper alloy; 3.8gm, Ring size 10 ...ca. 2nd-3rd Cent
Con/ As Fabricated and Engraved; residual tinning on the bezel.
The engraved "Sea Monster" on the bezel of this ring can be clearly seen in the photo and appears to look a bit like Nessie, the Lock Ness monster, doesn't it?
But, more than likely, it is not a sea monster, but rather a Mediterranean monk seal, frolicking in the sea beneath a crescent moon?
Monk seals are now an endangered species, but common centuries ago.
Nearly 200 ancient rings in my collection but I have never seen one like this.
Help and thanks for looking!
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Looks like a whale. But I have never checked Pliny or other Roman sources to see what they knew about whales.
Also looks a tiny bit like a poor rendering of a galley - the ram prow shown as a split end and then an exaggerated stern post rising too high. Doubt it is though as the oval makes no sense...
SC