Appreciating the Sevso Silver Treasure

While there are some scandals surrounding the Sevso Treasure, there's no detraction from the fact that it may well be the most astounding collection of Roman silver ever discovered. In numbers, the 14 pieces in Lord Northampton's possession represent the largest Roman silver find of its kind, weighing close to 70kg in all. In terms of craftsmanship, Dr. Richard Hobbs of the British Museum said, "The objects are just spectacular. They are beautiful examples of a craftsman plying his art at the highest level."

The Sevso hoard is composed of the Hunting Plate, the Meleager Plate, the Achilles Plate, the Geometric Plate, the Amphora, the Dionysiac Ewer, the Animal Ewer, the Hippolytus Situlas A and B, the Hippolytus Ewer, Geometric Ewers A and B, Basin, and Casket, plus the copper cauldron in which they were kept.

The Hunting Plate is the most famous piece. Measuring 70cm in diameter and weighing close to 9kg, it is a stunning dish of silver. In the center, there is a medallion measuring 17cm in diameter with lively scenes of hunting and outdoor banquet. Looking at the images, you can almost get a sense of Sevso's lifestyle. In those days, silverware was a symbol of social status while hunting and dining epitomized the opulence of the Roman elites. The chi-rho sign used to signify the beginning and the end of the Sevso inscriptions hinted at the growth or popularity of Christianity in 4th or 5th century Rome.

Depicting the legend of Achilles, the Achilles Plate, measuring 72cm in diameter, is the largest object in the Sevso hoard. The Meleager Plate, measuring 69cm in diameter, is one spectacular dish. The central medallion shows a triumphant Meleager resting on the carcass of the boar sent by Artemis, spear on his left shoulder, surrounded by the Calydonian Hunters. On the outer frieze, there is a series of characters, punctuated by head busts, with a thousand stories to be told.  Decorated with Dionysiac characters in the central panel, the Amphora is a remarkably beautiful silver vessel. It has two leopards for handles. The two bottom panels show the intricate relationship between flora and fauna.

In light of all the scandals, perhaps, the biggest scandal is that such a dazzling collection of artistic and historical importance such as the Sevso Silver Treasure is not being exhibited to the public. Now, it's sitting in a secret vault, waiting to be released. Do you have some silver sitting in a vault? Sell silver and get top dollar for silver now. Send your silver to a silver buyer today and get instant cash for silver.