Ancient Greek Gold & Silver Ring with Animal Motif - 6th Century BCE | Exquisite Dual-Metal Craftsmanship

Explore the pinnacle of Archaic Greek artistry with this exceptional gold and silver ring, featuring a gold frontal depiction of a canine or similar animal. Crafted during the 6th Century BCE, this very rare artifact embodies the sophistication of ancient Greek metalwork, complete with a certificate of authenticity and European provenance.

This remarkable Archaic Greek ring is a masterful creation of the 6th Century BCE, a period renowned for significant advancements in the arts and philosophy. The ring's design is a testament to the ancient craftsmen's skill, with a solid gold front. The iconography and the high gold content might imply that the ring belonged to someone of high status, perhaps even someone directly involved in the minting or economy of Cyzicus.

The ring, adorned with a figure of a dog, mirrors the design found on the coveted coins from Cyzicus, a leading city in Mysia around 500-460 BCE. The dog, possibly an early representation of the mythological Cerberus or a symbol of loyalty and protection, is depicted with a raised forepaw, suggestive of alertness and readiness. The presence of the tunny fish below the dog on the coin signifies the economic importance of the marine life to Cyzicus, renowned for its tunny fisheries.

The synergy between the ring's design and ancient Mysia coins suggests a significant connection, potentially alluding to the ring's origin in Cyzicus or its creation as a tribute to the city's wealth and influence.

The intricate design is a fusion of solid gold and silver, an unusual and sophisticated technique that showcases the luxury and innovation of the time. The ring's diameter of 25mm and weight of 8.361 grams reflect its substantial presence, likely indicating it was a possession of someone of high status in ancient Greek society.

The condition of the ring is excellent for its age, showing some wear that adds character and authenticity to this piece. Such a combination of materials and the quality of the craftsmanship make this ring an exceedingly rare and exclusive find.

Authenticity is assured with a certificate from J. Bagot Ancient Art and an EU export license. Its provenance is equally impressive, having been part of Dr. H. UH.'s private collection in Renania, Germany, collected between 1970 and 1990. The ring has undergone XRF testing, revealing a high gold purity in the gold portion and a significant silver content with traces of zinc, copper, and gold in the silver part, further attesting to its authenticity and value.