Ca. 100-300 AD. A gold signet ring of a smooth, round band with applied bezel set with red hardstone intaglio engraved with a depiction of facing right, standing figure of Minerva (identified with the Greek Athena). She wears a long dress, crested helmet and holds a shield and a lance. In Roman mythology, Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and warfare, but also patron of arts and crafts. She is probably a goddess of Etruscan origin. Along with Jupiter and Juno, she formed the Capitoline Trinity. The item has undergone X-ray fluorescence analysis to confirm the metallurgical content suggesting its ancient origin and lack of modern trace elements. This analysis will accompany the purchase.Size: D: 18.80mm / US: 8 7/8 / UK: R 1/2 ; 8.43gProvenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.