A fantastic Roman Medusa head statue is set to top an upcoming Ancient Artefacts auction, which will be held on July 28 in California.

The piece originates from a French collection and was originally part of a larger, complete composition. Carved from marble, Medusa's face is elegantly rendered with the hair styled back and blending gradually into serpent heads.

The carving is a 2nd century AD Roman reproduction of a Greek original, with the grasping hand of Perseus still present from the complete work. Despite having had to undergo restoration work on the left side of the face, it remains a well detailed piece with nice surfaces. Mounted on a custom base it is expected to sell for $40,000.

Original Greek carvings and statues sell for much higher prices than their Roman counterparts, with one ancient Greek relief selling 80.5% above its high estimate to achieve $500,000 at Sotheby's antiquities sale in June.

Another beheaded statue - this time a Flemish limestone head of a knight - will sell for $10,000-15,000 as the auction's second most valuable lot. Dating from the 14th century, the head is an attractive piece, yet is marred by a repaired break through the centre and restorations to the nose and chin.

One of the auction's most exciting lots is a gold Roman ring, which features an intaglio of an imperial head thought to be the British emperor Carausius. Created using high carat gold, presumed 22k, it is expected to bring $7,000-9,000.

Check back with Paul Fraser Collectibles to see the results from this exciting sale and more of the latest news from the world of collectibles.