A gold ring thought to show Rome’s first emperor and valued at £200 has sold for £117,000.
The 2,000-year-old ring features the head of Augustus.
It’s thought the ring was bought in the 19th Century in Italy by a British traveller.
The ring features an intaglio – a carving in a garnet that leaves a hollow impression.
It is often a man’s head in profile and was used as a seal on documents.
Augustus ruled the Roman Empire from 27 BC until his death, aged 75, in the year 14AD.
The ring was sold by auctioneers Fellows in Birmingham for £90,000 – but fees pushed the price to £117,000.
The British seller is private and no further details as to how they acquired the ring were available.
Nicola Whittaker, business development manager at Fellows, said:
“I am delighted by the result of our Fine Jewellery auction.
“Not only did we achieve an amazing price for our vendor, but we had the opportunity to handle an extremely interesting piece of jewellery history.
“It is rare to see such an intricately carved piece in such fine condition.”
