Ave!
Ring, Roman, Men's, Hippocampus Intaglio, ca. 2nd-3rd Cent
Copper alloy; 4.5gm, Ring size 81/4
Con/ As Cast and Engraved; dark brown patina with brassy highlights, and wearable!
Ref/ Pollio Page 80
Seller's Note/ The engraved hippocampus on the bezel of this ring can be clearly seen in the photo. We have no doubt that it was used as a personal signet used to seal letters and documents. As to who wore it...perhaps a mariner trying to stay on the good side of Neptune or the spouse he left at home?
As it was ground found near the ancient Roman city of Mursa, a river base for Roman marines, it may have been by worn by one of them. But, due to the high occurrence of such hippocampus rings, Polio suggests that they may have been used a votive offerings!