Centrally placed in the Tanit Ring is an exceptionally rare and exquisitely preserved 1/5 stater gold coin, minted in Zeugitana, Carthage, between 350 and 320 BC. This remarkable artefact stands as a testament to the refined craftsmanship of its era, struck from masterfully engraved dies of unparalleled precision, graded Extremely Fine (EF).
On the obverse, Tanit, the supreme goddess and protector of Carthage, gazes serenely leftward. A wreath of grain crowns her hair, a symbol of fertility, abundance, and divine providence. She is adorned with long pendant earrings and a necklace, mirroring the jewellery worn by Carthaginian noblewomen. The sculptural refinement of her portrait bears witness to the Hellenistic artistic influence, while preserving the Carthaginian distinctive iconography.
The reverse of the coin reveals a majestic horse, standing poised yet vigilant, its head turned back in a moment of suspended motion. More than a mere emblem of strength, the horse is intrinsically woven into the foundation myth of Carthage. The 12h die orientation ensures a harmonious alignment of these two potent symbols, reinforcing their visual and historical significance.
Set within an ingeniously conceived rotating mechanism, this ancient artefact may be worn with either face displayed, offering the wearer the choice of invoking Tanit’s divine presence or the spirited resilience of the Carthaginian steed. The setting itself, an architectural feat of concealed mechanics, remains invisible within the ring’s design, preserving the integrity of its form.
Sculpted in frosted 18k yellow gold (9.76g), the ring’s softly matte surface echoes the patina of time-worn relics, a whisper of antiquity made tangible. An irregular pavé of 128 grey diamonds cascades across the band, their organic placement reminiscent of the weathered textures of excavated treasures. The interplay of light on gold and diamond dusts the piece with a quiet luminosity, an understated grandeur that speaks to both the past and the present.
With its seamless fusion of archaeology and avant-garde design, the Tanit Ring embodies Sassi’s unwavering dedication to artistry, cultural heritage, and the eternal dialogue between antiquity and modernity. Today, this jewel has found its custodian: a remarkable woman whose own path, marked by curiosity and an openness to life’s unexpected chapters, resonates with the enduring strength and quiet elegance of Carthage’s goddess.
