On this intaglio is the bust of a royal person facing left. He wears a radiating diadem with five 'spokes' each surmounted by a solid ball, with a tassel waving from the back. The tight fitting crown creates a fringe of curled hair around the face. During the imperial period both the emperors and empresses are' depicted on coins wearing a radiating diadem. Since the ancient Romans were sensitive to the issue of kingship, the emperors refrained from wearing a crown in public. It was Constantine the Great, one of the empire' s most outstanding rulers, who adorned himself on public occasions with a robe studded with gems and a diadem. The lovely' intricate pattern on' the ring remind us of the garlands and wreaths which also symbolized the regal authority of an emperor.