Roman 18K+ Gold Ring w/ Nero Portrait

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. An exceedingly rare gold ring (76% gold, equivalent to 18K+) that presents an intaglio featuring a portrait bust of the infamous Emperor Nero (reign 54-68 CE)with a laurel wreath in his hair. Nero is depicted in profile facing left on the oval table of the ring, surrounded by a twisted rope-patterned border. The delicate shank is comprised of two wires wrapped by additional gold wire accented with a granule and resolving in two curled termini on each side. US ring size: 3. Size: oval table measures .7" L x .625" W (1.8 cm x 1.6 cm); opening measures .77" L x .625" W (2 cm x 1.6 cm); weight: 3.5 grams; gold quality: 76% gold, equivalent to 18K+

Nero was the final Roman emperor of the Julio-Claudian line. He became emperor in 54 CE, at the age of sixteen, making him the youngest sole emperor until Elagabalus, who became emperor at 14 in 218 CE. Nero's rule is usually associated with tyranny and extravagance - rumored to have played a lyre while Rome was burning in the Great Fire; however, some sources point to his popularity among the commoners living in the eastern provinces of the Empire - and despite his tyrannical reputation, perhaps we can appreciate the fact that Nero was an art lover who is said to have performed music and recited poetry to the senate as well as the populace.

The image of Nero on this ring is similar to those found on ancient Roman gold coins, ca. 54-68. See this example in the British Museum.

Provenance: private Keller collection inherited from his grandfather's ex-Toro, Spain collection from the 1940s

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#148805
Condition Report: Indentations to the shank. Red deposits due to exposure to iron rich soil. Slight age wear to the table but the portrait bust is remarkably well preserved.