Bronze Inscribed Ring

Date Acquired	2006
Location Discovered	Balkans
Material	Bronze/Copper Alloy
Dimensions	2.0cm long x 2.1cm wide
Roman Empire/Byzantine	1st to 3rd Century AD
Description

A bronze finger ring with two crescent shaped pieces side by side on the bezel with a groove down the middle which tapers into a partially split band. This ring is a fairly small size and is most likely a modern US size 5-6.

These two crescent shapes have inscribed text on them, most likely in Greek/ Early Latin.(1)

I X V

I P V

It is unknown what this stands for however it appears to be a mix of numbers and letters. IP is a known abbreviation for "I(m)P(erator)" a title for the emperor, however only a skilled Latin reader can properly ascertain what it truly stands for.

Anyone with some insight into this would be appreciated.

Click on Pictures for higher resolution

Side View

(1) References to text style: SEAR, David; Greek Coins and their Values Volume I, page 1

**Note on background. A Fresco from the ancient Roman City of Pompeii. The interior walls of a wealthy Roman's Estate 79AD. Picture taken July 2005.