Mercury’s cockerel

A chunky and weighty high carat gold Roman ring, circa 3rd century A.D. The ring contains a Roman intaglio incised on a black and white agate depicting Mercury’s cockerel. The Roman messenger god Mercury was an entity at the limits in every sense. He was born at dawn, between night and day and he was also the chaperone of souls to the realm of the dead. The cockerel was one of Mercury’s totemic animals, herald of the new day, obliterating darkness. The ring is size J [US 4 and 5/8] and in extremely fine and most wearable condition. An example of a completely original Roman ring depicting an unusual subject.

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