A Roman gold and banded agate ring with Mercury, circa 1st-2nd century AD.  Estimation: USD 3,000 - 5,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The solid hoop rounded on the exterior, flat on the interior, the oval bezel set with a banded-agate cabochon engraved with the god depicted nude, facing right, his left arm extended outward, his right arm bent with a mantle draped over, holding his characteristic caduceus, sporting a petasos on his head, a mantle over his shoulders and descending down his right arm, on a thin groundline - 15⁄16 in. (2.4 cm.) wide; ring size 7½

PROVENANCE: with Joseph G. Gerena, New York, 1999

Christie's. Ancient Jewelry sale - Online auctions December 1 -10.