3rd-4th century AD. A silver ring of hexagonal shape, facetted on the outside; plaque with a bust of Zeus Serapis modelled in the round. See Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Finger Rings Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the Department of Antiquities British Museum, Oxford, 1968, similar specimens nn.1439-1440.18.90 grams, 32.05mm overall, 23.43mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+1, USA 12 3/4, Europe 29.99, Japan 28) (1 1/4"). Property of an East Anglian collector; formerly acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. Serapis, an Egyptian-Greek syncretic god designed to appeal to the largest possible majority, was often represented as a symbol of religious unity of the official Graeco-Roman pantheon, and therefore as symbol of unity for the Empire. Serapis is a historically verified, deliberately planned religious synthesis, commissioned by Ptolemy I (323-283 BC), and was kept and spread by the Romans. Serapis worship remained popular until the advent of Christianity, with whom he competed during the age of the Illyrian emperors. Fine condition, worn. A large wearable size.