A HIGHLY IMPORTANT LATE ROMAN GOLD RING SHOWING THE EMPEROR LEO I, CIRCA 457-474 A.D.

A heavy gold ring with a raised square bezel engraved with the portraits of the emperor Leo the first and his wife Verina. A cross is placed above at the centre between them at the top of the ring . this ring is likely to be a portrait ring of the emperor and empress given to high ranking official who would be allowed to wear the emperor image.the form of the ring is typical of the 5th century A.D. A number of coins of Leo the first show him with a short beard confirming the identity of the portrait. Of the highest importance.
Size: USA 8.25, Europe 17.5. Weight: 24.05 grams.

CONDITION
Excellent condition.

PROVENANCE
Acquired from art gallery in London after 2000s. Previously with an important collector (Nicolas Koutoulakis, 1910-1996), who owned it since the mid 1970s, thence by descent. accompanied by original invoice from them.