Roman Diocletian Bronze Coin Necklace | Egyptian Faience Seed Beads | 14K Gold Setting (Auction 2026-05-15, Lot 169)

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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A lovely wearable necklace strung with ancient Egyptian faience seed beads, alternating with modern pale pink quartzite disc beads and black glass spheres, fastened by a modern 14K+ gold-plated clasp. At its center hangs a Roman bronze coin of Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305 CE), set in a modern 14K gold setting: the obverse depicts the laureate head of Diocletian, while the reverse shows Providentia standing right, extending her hand to Quies standing left. This fusion of antiquity and modern craftsmanship creates a unique adornment that is both historically evocative and fully wearable as jewelry. Size of strand: 17.75″ L (45.1 cm); coin setting: 1.25″ Diameter (3.2 cm); gold quality: 61% to 73% (14k+ to 17K+)

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

Coin is ancient and set in a modern gold setting on a strand of modern cut beads and ancient faience beads. Wearable! Coin has some patina and softening and rubbing, but obverse is very sharp.