Ca. 100-200 AD. A gold signet ring of a smooth, round band with bezel enclosing red hardstone intaglio engraved with a depiction of facing left, standing figure of Minerva (identified with the Greek Athena). She wears a long dress with beautifully flowing folds and crested helmet. 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: 17.35mm / US: 7 / UK: O; 5.97g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.