2nd-3rd century AD. A D-section hoop and expanding shoulders, discoid plaque with intaglio scene of a horse and rider amid foliage. 9.74 grams, 25mm overall, 20.12mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22) (1"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s. The iconography of this ring would suggest that the subject is the Thracian Rider god, a deity of some antiquity who grew in popularity during the Roman Empire. The identification of this deity has never been fully explained though one idea is that he is the Thracian/Phrygian deity Sabazios. He is associated with vegetation, especially barley and wheat, and his worship was widespread in Italy. He is associated with the goddess Cybele and often takes on the attributes of Zeus or Dionysus. His chief attribute is the snake and a small image of one can be seen to the rear of the horse on this ring. On reliefs and statues he is shown wearing Thracian costume and riding a horse with stellar symbols and spearing a monster in the form of a dragon. His iconography influenced that of the later Christian Saint George. Depictions of the god on rings are rare.

Very fine condition.