Copper-alloy, 13.30 grams, 20.99 mm. 1st-4th century AD. The head from a figurine of Mercury, the Roman god of medicine, commerce, magic and the inventor of writing and of the harp; he is Latinized version of the Greek Hermes. Mercury was especially popular in Gaul and to a lesser extent Britain, probably reflecting continuation of the cult of some pre-Roman Celtic god with similar attributes. The head is modelled with rounded features, elliptical eyes, a flat nose and small, pouting mouth. His short hair is modelled combed forward in a fring, visible beneath the brim of his helmet, which sports two wings. Traces of red pigmentation are visible on the surface. Reference: Green, M.J. The Gods of Roman Britain, Princes Risborough, 2003. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.