As with all items in this collection, this artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance, detailing typology, dating, region, and collection history.

Roman Silver Legionary Ring Antiquity, 1st–2nd c. AD (Size 5.5)

Certified authentic ancient artifact:
An ancient Roman silver legionary ring, dating to the 1st–2nd century AD. The wide, shield-shaped bezel — the classic legionary form — once held engraved numerals, symbols, or unit marks now worn smooth through centuries of age. The tapered shoulders and thin rolled hoop are typical of Roman military rings circulating among legionaries, auxiliaries, and camp personnel across the empire.

The silver surface displays natural ancient toning: dark recess oxidation, pale encrustation from burial, and micro-pitting caused by long-term soil mineral exposure. This corrosion pattern — stabilized silver crystallization, softened bezel edges, and compacted soil traces internally — is a recognized authenticity indicator for excavated Roman-period silver. These traits align closely with legionary rings recovered from early imperial military sites.

This artifact is certified authentic, and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance, documenting typology, dating, and previous collection history.

Museum Parallel:
Cf. British Museum – Jewellery of the Roman Empire Series, “Military Finger Rings” (BM Group: Roman Rings Cat. nos. 250–310), which includes silver legionary rings with broad shield bezels and rolled hoops dated to the 1st–2nd c. AD.

Academic Reference:
Cf. Bishop & Coulston, Roman Military Equipment — for typology and use of legionary personal rings across the imperial army.

Provenance: From a British private collection formed in the early 2000s; previously part of a UK dealer’s antiquities inventory prior to 2005. Guaranteed authentic ancient artifact.

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