Roman Bronze Coin Depicting Lion
Weight: 3 g
Length: 2 cm / .78 in
Ring Size: 6.5 (US) / N (UK)
Dated to the middle ages, this bronze signet ring features a “Lion en Passant” engraved on top of the ring’s quadrangular seal. The hoop is narrow and widens to support the square bezel of the ring.
The “Lion en passant” (lion walking forwards) was a popular heraldic motif in medieval and Renaissance jewelry, symbolizing bravery, strength, and nobility. Frequently seen on signet rings, pendants, and brooches, it also often represented noble lineage.
A note on signet rings: Signet rings were used to “sign” documents through the impression on hot wax of the symbol on the ring, which would lead to the owner. During the Medieval period, seal rings were widely used in trading to ensure the authenticity and security of a document or letter. The social status of the owner was reflected in the size and media of such seal rings, with the combination of motives engraved on the bezel providing further insight into the owner’s identity, such as their place in a family.
Similar examples to this ring can be found in item number 655 of the catalogue “Hephaestus legacy - A memorial to a private collection of ancient rings and glyptics”.