Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

With a stub handle to the rear, a wide rim with rosettes, hearts and other motifs, the discus with a pointillé Christogram, and a low basal ring. 148 grams, 13.8 cm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

Ellipsoid plaque with profile bust of Mars, bearded, with crested helmet. 6.75 grams, 24.09 mm overall, 16.66 x 14.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With a piriform body and dimple base, a long tubular neck with an everted rim. 99 grams, 13.6 cm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Lentoid in profile with a carved female figure dressed in a long dress, holding a sceptre in one hand and ears of wheat in the other. 0.39 grams, 11 mm



Ex London, UK, art dealer, 1985-1990. with Bonhams, 1 May 2008, no.309 (part).

Ellipsoid type with intaglio profile portrait bust of Isis with diadem; repaired; supplied with an impression. 0.56 grams, 12 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With a conical body and oval head with low-relief nose and eyes, hair combed to the back forming an attachment loop; mounted on a custom-made stand. 57 grams total, 73 mm high including stand



Found at Reculver, Kent, UK, in 1957. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. Accompanied by an old handwritten information card by Peter Clayton, collection no.26.

Light brown cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 3:4, 5:2. 4.83 grams, 14 mm



From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s, by descent.

Ellipsoid type with intaglio figure of Demeter standing facing, holding a frond and cornucopia; supplied with an impression. 0.20 grams, 10 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 28.4 grams total, 14-20 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.

Comprising two cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 7.28 grams total, 12-13 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising two cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 5.04 grams total, 11 mm each



From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s, by descent.

Broad plaque with raised ellipsoid panel, incuse standing figure of Mercury with a caduceus. 5.43 grams, 21.96 mm overall, 18.64 x 14.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.