278, Lot: 623. Estimate $750. Sold for $2000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gold ring in the form of a serpent. Late Hellenistic or Roman, circa 1st century BC-1st century AD. Outer face slightly convex with a pattern of dashes near head and tail to create the effect of skin, inner face flat. Overall length (from head to tail): 3.1cm; diameter: approx 2.0cm; weight: 8.36g. See A. Garside, ed., Jewelry: ancient to modern, the Walters Art Gallery, no. 337, for a similar, albeit more finely crafted example. Bands slightly bent, but otherwise a fine example of this delicate style of ring.