napoleon Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 Does anyone know if Legionaires wore rings that had their division number on them? I know they wore rings with eagles on them, but I wasn't sure if roman numerals were placed on rings to represent which legion they were in. (4th, 5th, etc.) Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 I've seen shields, swords and even standard symbols like the bull (for Caesarian Legions), but I don't recall ever seeing an actual number on a ring. Then again, I am only a casual observer of antiquity jewelry, so I can't offer a definate answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napoleon Posted March 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 HAHA! That's the reason I was posting. I want to find out if that ring is legite. =P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primus Pilus Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 I understand your concern. Something doesn't feel right about it. Personally I tend to trust dealers who have their own stores and websites, and aren't just ebay sellers. At least it shows a history in the antiquity or numismatic field prior to the massive exposure of ebay. Unfortunately I can't give you any more help than that. You could ask other dealers for opinions, but most will refrain from publically discrediting another dealer, unless they are a known scam artist of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napoleon Posted March 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest spartacus Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 Hi Napoleon As an Artifact collector, my advice is caution, not only as PP said about buying from e-bay but I have studied the photo and in my humble opinion ( dont take as gospel ) I have never come across a ring with just a number on, I have seen one with an X on plus a design, also the colouring is a little "Bright" for that period, The letters are also too deep and for me the lines are too perfect! Lastly, I have never heard of the company - too me it all adds up, I am willing to bet good money it is not what they have described! Tip: Before you buy artifacts, run some background checks on the company Hope this helps! Spartacus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbow Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 I'm not at all certain, but would the 'IV' not be 'IIII'? I know 'IV' was used, but I thought 'IIII' was much more common. Examples of both: from livius.org Jim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scanderbeg Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 These rings were actually worn by the upper class soldier's to show their nobility. Usually worn by Equite's and Trarii. I don't know about Post Marius though. One of the things Hannibal did after the Battle of Cannea to try and get reinforcement from Carthage was to collect the rings of the dead soldiers and send them to Carthage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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