ID for Silver artifact with Emperor and Capricorns

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Silver; 13mm/2.3gm

Description; As seen in the photo, a bust of a young Roman Emperor or Caesar with chubby cheeks, within a dotted border, circled by four Capricorns with a star between them.

This artifact appears to have been stamped with a die similar to a coin, rather than have been engraved. Most likely, it was a bezel of an ancient Roman ring...maybe not?

Anyway, do any of you have thoughts as for the portrait ID and the significance of the Stars and Capricorns?

Best to all,

Kevin

[SC]

Capricorn = birth sign?

Yes, ring bezel seems likely - signet ring for stamping wax seals???

SC

[v-drome]

My eyes are playing tricks.  Is this in raised relief or intaglio?

[Mayadigger]

Ave V-drome,

It is intaglio. Well done and tricky, for sure. 

Thanks!

[Callimachus]

What evidence is there that it is "a bust of a young Roman Emperor or Caesar" ?

[*Alex]

What evidence is there that it is "a bust of a young Roman Emperor or Caesar" ?

None as far as I can see. The bust is neither laureate or diademed, simply a bare headed bust which is as likely to be a generic representation or a representation of the person the ring was made for as it is to be of an emperor. On the current evidence, to me, to present it as a bust of a young Emperor or Caesar is wishful thinking.

Alex

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Wishful thinking, for sure. I'll just go with a portrait of a youth, and forget about Caesars or emperors. 

It certainly makes a nice impression as a signet.