Ancient Roman gold stick pin. Gold pin or stylus with tapering shank, the finial in the form of an open right hand with serpent coiled around the wrist, approximately 11cm in length. Tested yellow gold, circa 2nd-3rd Century AD.
The snake motif is one of the earliest motifs used in jewellery, being favoured since ancient times. Snakes were thought to represent the unending circle of life and everlasting love.
This pin is in museum quality condition condition with an attractive patina.
