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LOT 0185
Byzantine Gold Solidus in Gold Ring
6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (21.14 grams, 24.51 mm overall, 17.47 x 16.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)).
The coin showing a facing bust of a pearl-diademed emperor, cuirassed and holding a cross; set in a thick frame with a double rectangular-section hoop below; the solidus a cast or barbarised version.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13338-257893.
Cf. similar solidus in the Dumbarton Oaks Collections, inv.no.DOC 1:173, no. (319).
FootnotesThe coin represents a frontal bust of Justinian I in a helmet (kamelaukion) with a plume, a diadem with trefoil ornament on the front, and a cuirass decorated with four pellets. Globus cruciger in right hand, shield with horseman device on left shoulder. Inscription: DNIVSTINIANVSPPAVC (Dominus Noster Justinianus Semper Augustus). Probably Mint of Rome 537-542.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0185
Byzantine Gold Solidus in Gold Ring
Estimate £2,500 - 3,500€2,900 - 4,060 (for guidance only)$3,380 - 4,730 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Artefact Collection
6th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Including a book-clamp with sliding catch, belt buckle with trefoil plate and other items. 51.8 grams total, 14-96 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Piriform body with pointed base and domed mouth, stamped linear decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 505 grams, 11.9 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Terracotta Bulla with St Simeon
Circa 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Plano-convex in section with reserved impression of a vertical pillar, ladder to one side, mother and infant to the other, crescent, star and other objects in the field. 15 grams, 33 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
