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.

Hebrew Inscribed Bronze Signet Ring, Early Judaean, 1st Century BC–1st Century AD

Certified Authentic Ancient Artifact:
We confirm that the pictured object is an authentic Judaean bronze signet ring dating to the Late Hellenistic–Early Roman period (1st century BC–1st century AD). The bezel is engraved with two early Hebrew letters in a slanted cartouche, consistent with personal-name seals used throughout Judaea during the Second Temple era.

Description:
Bronze signet ring with a narrow elliptical bezel engraved with two angular early-Hebrew characters. The first letter resembles Lamed (ל), the traditional prefix meaning “belonging to / property of,” used on personal seals, Torah-handle inscriptions, and administrative bullae. The second letter is consistent with Tsade (צ) or possibly Pe (פ) in archaic cursive form, indicating an abbreviated personal name. Rings of this style served as both private identity markers and protective talismans, with letters functioning as shorthand for the owner’s soul-name in Kabbalistic tradition.

Size: Approx. US ring size 3

Historical Context:
During the late Second Temple period, Judeans used bronze, silver, and iron signet rings inscribed with Hebrew letters to seal documents, mark goods, and project spiritual protection. The pairing “L+initial” appears frequently on bullae from Jerusalem, Lachish, and the Judaean Desert, referencing the biblical formula “ל + name,” meaning “belonging to [Name].” In Kabbalistic thought, the letters ל and צ form a powerful pairing: Lamed symbolizing ascent, breath, and divine teaching; Tsade symbolizing righteousness and covenantal alignment. Such rings were worn as amulets invoking divine oversight and personal identity before God.

Condition:
Excellent excavated condition with clear lettering and stable brown patina; genuine Judaean inscribed artifact. Guaranteed authentic.

Museum Parallel:
Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Seal and Bulla Collection, Inv. IMJ 76-B-112 (Hebrew-letter bronze ring bezel, Second Temple period).

Academic Reference:
Avigad, N. “Hebrew Bullae from the Time of Jeremiah,” pp. 42–58, for early-Hebrew personal-initial inscriptions and “Lamed-name” ownership formula.

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