1st-3rd century AD. A bronze signet ring with incised the image of the god Priapus, bearded and his large erect phallus lifting the front of his robe and supporting fruit. 1.94 grams, 20.00mm overall, 16.67mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10) (3/4"). Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975. Variously described as the son of Zeus and Aphrodite, or of Dionysos and Aphrodite, he was a deity of Asiatic origin whose worship spread to Greece in later times. Priapus is represented carrying a phallus since this member was considered the symbol of generative power. His most ancient center of worship was at Lampsakus whence the sailors carried the worship to the Aegean islands of Lesbos, Thera, and Thasos, and hence to continental Greece. [No Reserve]