Egyptian Scarab Amulet Value Guide

Dating from the New Kingdom period, this Egyptian scarab amulet is a significant artifact representing rebirth and the sun god Ra. Crafted from glazed faience, these amulets served as protective charms or administrative seals, often featuring intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions on the flat underside.

What affects the value of Egyptian Scarab Amulet?

• The presence and legibility of specific hieroglyphic inscriptions or royal cartouches significantly impact the market price.
• The preservation of the original faience glaze and the overall structural integrity of the beetle's features.
• Provenance and documentation linking the piece to established historical collections or archaeological contexts.
• The size and detail of the carving, with larger or more intricately detailed examples commanding higher interest within the $50-$70 range.

How to Identify Egyptian Scarab Amulet?

• Look for the characteristic blue or green glaze typical of ancient Egyptian faience, which may show weathering or mineral 'bloom' from age.
• Examine the underside for authentic hand-carved hieroglyphs, pharaoh names, or protective spells rather than modern stamped patterns.
• Check for a longitudinal piercing through the center, as these were commonly worn as jewelry or attached to funerary wrappings.
• Observe the beetle's anatomy, specifically the clypeus and wing cases, which should show stylized but deliberate ancient carving techniques.

History of Egyptian Scarab Amulet

Scarab amulets were highly significant in ancient Egypt, representing rebirth and regeneration. They were often inscribed with hieroglyphs, names of pharaohs, or spells and were used as seals, jewelry, or funerary objects to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. The scarab beetle's habit of rolling dung into a ball and pushing it along was likened to the sun god Ra rolling the sun across the sky, embodying creation and new life.