Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 2276. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $380. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

[Antiquities] BYZANTINE. Bronze finger ring. Circa 5th-6th century AD. Inner diameter 23mm. Plain bronze band with circular bezel, engraved with intaglio of a female imperial bust and block monogram, with cross above. Well preserved, with choice black patina. Attractive and rare. ($300)

The monogram does not appear to be an imperial name, but the presence of the bust suggests an imperial court member, while the large size of the ring would have to mean the recipient was a very big man. An imperial bodyguard?