The caduceus staff and moneybag held by this robust fellow identify him as Mercury, messenger of the gods, patron of commerce, travel, and gambling. When the Roman Empire was at its height, this ring was probably worn by someone seeking the benevolent blessings of Mercury in his daily affairs. Perhaps it adorned the hand of a merchant who voyaged throughout the empire on business. It may have sealed closed the boxes and jars of a manufacturing house. Perhaps a gambler wore it on the hand that threw the dice. As we slip it onto our own finger today, we are connected in an intimate way with the vanished life of its ancient owner, and with the world in which he lived.