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

Ellipsoid-shaped with lentoid-section hoop and flat plaque, inscribed legend 'ΔΗΦ'. 0.96 grams, 18.62 mm overall, 11.80 mm internal diameter



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

Discoid clay mould with an impressed design of a coin on each face. 4.45 grams, 26 mm



London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent.

Including Abraxas as an anguiped figure, tower with flanking deer, standing figure and other designs; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.84 grams total, 6-12 mm



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

Sturdy handle fragment with a rectangular stamp on the upper face with legend 'E[I]C EYKPATIΔA (to Eukratides)'. 229 grams, 10.8 cm



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

The commercial stamp seems to be linked to the name Eukratides, referring to a Graeco-Roman trade mark impressed onto the clay handles of ceramic transport amphorae. Eukratides could have been a merchant at the destination or the owner of the commercial business.

Discoid type with clasped hands beneath a capricorn, symbol of Legio XIV Gemina; chipped; supplied with an impression. 0.45 grams, 11 mm



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

Composed of oblate and tubular beads, restrung with an elasticated string. 7.76 grams, 17.6 cm



Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private collection.

Comprising two cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 3.19 grams total, 9 mm each



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

Globular in profile with rolled rim and flared foot, short spout to the shoulder and three radiating pierced lugs. 390 grams, 15.5 cm



Ex old English collection. From the estate of a late Bristol, South West England, collector.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 30 grams total, 13-22 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 raised triangular plate with yellow enamel, a stylised zoomorphic head finial to the top, round-section pin and catchplate to the reverse. 3.51 grams, 35 mm



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

Piriform in profile with broad everted rim, band of rouletting to the shoulder and old collector's inked notation 'Béthune Pas-de-Calais'. 1.79 kg, 24 cm high



Found Béthune in Pas-de-Calais, Northern France. Ex Wiltshire, UK, private collection, 1980s.

Ellipsoid type with intaglio scene of a horse in full gallop with reins trailing; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.17 grams, 11 mm



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