1st-2nd century AD. A bronze ring with grooved edges on the lateral sides, oval plate, the bezel with raised jasper gemstone presenting an engraved goddess Minerva (Greek Athena) looking right, with the spear in the right arm and dressed in a long peplos. See Henkel, F., Die Romischen Fingerringe Der Rheinlande, Und Der Benachbarten Gebiete, Berlin, 1913, particularly Tafeln XXXVI no.926. 3.65 grams, 21.01mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9) (1"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. Many Roman emperors, like Domitian, claimed the goddess Athena or Minerva to be their special protectress and her representation on coins, engraved gems, jewels was often a propaganda and political symbol. [No Reserve] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price