Collar with medallions containing coins of emperors

Unknown

ca. A.D. 225 · Gold · Egyptian Art

This collar displays medallions containing coins of Emperors Lucius Verus (r. AD 161-169) and Alexander Severus (r. AD 222-235) and of Julia Domna, Wife of Emperor Septimius Severus (r. AD 193-211) and mother of Geta (r. AD 211-212) and Caracalla (r. AD 211-217). The use of imperial portrait coins - almost exclusively the aureus - as jewelry became widespread with the third century A.D. In this example, the globular pulls for adjusting the necklace are decorated with schematic theater masks.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. A.D. 225

Medium

Gold

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1936