9th-12th century AD. A copper-alloy ring with oval-rounded plate, decorated with the image of standing Saint Michael, dressed in stycharion and holding a small cross type standard. See Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 681, for very similar specimen. 6.69 grams, 23.34mm overall, 17.92mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (3/4"). From a private collection formed in the Netherlands; previously in a European collection formed prior to 1980. The ring belongs to a typology of 9th-12th century rings mainly characterised by an oval-round bezel, sometimes two side bulges, usually decorated with invocation formulas, figurative motives and ornaments. The ornaments are sometimes visible also on the side of bezels and ring shoulders.