Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A remarkable silver bracelet in the penannular form of a coiled snake with one terminal as its head and the other tapering to a pointed tail. The lozenge-shaped head boasts incised details such as eyes and a mouth, while the body remains smooth. In the Judeo-Christian tradition snakes were untrustworthy creatures, the snake was seen as the devil, tempting Adam and Eve. However, in the Greek and Roman world were associated with healing, regeneration and protection. Two of these were Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, who holds a staff entwined with a single serpent and Mercury, the messenger of the gods, whose staff, the caduceus, has 2 coiled snakes. Size of exterior: 3.1" L x 2.7" W (7.9 cm x 6.9 cm); of band: 0.3" W (0.8 cm); of interior: 2.8" L x 2.5" W (7.1 cm x 6.4 cm); silver quality: 86.1%; weight: 25.3 grams

Provenance: private London, UK collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#190609

  • Condition: Some small nicks and pitting to silver as well as slight bending to form, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with good remaining detail.

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December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000