Egyptian Scarab Amulets Value Guide

Dating from the New Kingdom era, these Egyptian scarab amulets are highly collectible artifacts that symbolize the sun god Ra and the cycle of rebirth. Crafted from glazed faience, these pieces served as powerful protective talismans for the living and essential guides for the deceased in the afterlife.

What affects the value of Egyptian Scarab Amulets?

• The legibility and historical significance of the hieroglyphs or royal names inscribed on the base.
• The preservation of the original glaze and the intensity of the faience coloration.
• The overall structural integrity, particularly the lack of chips on the delicate edges of the beetle's legs and head.
• The specific era of production, with New Kingdom examples being particularly desirable for their craftsmanship.

How to Identify Egyptian Scarab Amulets?

• Look for the characteristic blue or green glaze typical of ancient Egyptian faience from the 1550 BC-1070 BC period.
• Examine the flat base for authentic hieroglyphic inscriptions, which often feature names of pharaohs, deities, or prosperity wishes.
• Check for a longitudinal drill hole through the center, intended for suspension as a pendant or mounting on a ring.
• Identify the stylized anatomical features of the beetle, including the clypeus, prothorax, and divided wing cases.

History of Egyptian Scarab Amulets

Scarab beetles were considered sacred in ancient Egypt, symbolizing rebirth and the journey of the sun god Ra across the sky. These amulets were often buried with the dead to ensure safe passage to the afterlife and were also worn by the living for protection and good luck. The inscriptions on the base often bore names of pharaohs, deities, or wishes for prosperity.