£4,180
This unique ring features a rare ancient silver coin from Southern Lucania circa 470-440 B.C. depicting a barley ear set in 18k yellow gold.
Handmade in Rome.
HISTORY
An ear of barley was a symbol of good fortune, wealth and the harvest in Italy. A class of plants encountered as iconographic types on ancient coins is agricultural crops. These are mainly local crops that were a significant source of wealth and prosperity for the city. The coin issues of Metapontion in the region of Lucania in South Italy bear witness to the cultivation of cereals. In reality, 90% of cereal production was barley. Even if the ancients were aware of the better nutritional value of wheat, the growing of barley was less demanding and more productive.
*Can be resized upon request.