Loading, please wait...
LOT 0123
Fragment of a Roman Bronze Military Diploma Granted by Emperor Septimius Severus
195 A.D.
2 in. (27.13 grams, 50 mm).
Issued for a member of the equites singulares Augusti, the emperor’s horse guards; granted by Septimius Severus in the summer of AD 195, during his Parthian expedition; obverse with seven lines of text with well engraved letters: (1) [… IMP] • VI • C[OS …] / (2) [EQVITIBVS Q]VI•INTER•S[INGVLAR MILITAVERVNT CASTRIS] / (3) [NOVIS QVIB]VS PRAEEST [. . .] / (4) [TRIBVNVS QVI]NIS ET VICEN[IS PLVRIBVSVE STIPENDIS] / (5) [EMERI]TIS DIMISSIS H[ONESTA MISSIONE QVORVM] / (6) [NOMINA SVB]SCRIPTA SVNT [CIVITATEM ROMANAM] / (7) . . . + ++ . . . . On the inner face traces of 7 lines of text: (1) [- - -]MAX·TR[IB / (2) [- - -]+ COS [- - -] / (3)[EQVITIBVS QVI I]NTER·SINCV[LAR MILITAVER CASTRIS] / (4) [NOVIS QVIBVS] PRAEEST + [- - -] /(5) TRIBVNVS] QVINIS ET VI[CENIS PLVRIBVSVE STIPENDIS] / (6) [EMERITIS] DIM[ISSIS HONESTA MISSIONE QVORVM] / (7) +++. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a European gentleman, acquired on the London art market.
PublishedF. Matei-Popescu and P. Rothenhöfer, A new fragment of a military diploma for the equites singulares Augusti in Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology 12, 2025, pp. 256-258.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0123
Fragment of a Roman Bronze Military Diploma Granted by Emperor Septimius Severus
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
-
.jpg)
Roman Gold Ring with Carved Hedgehog
1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640
Comprising a thick hoop expanding at the shoulders, the bezel with a standing hedgehog on a baseline with detailed spines. 7.53 grams, 20.12 mm overall, 15.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4)
Private collection, 1990s-early 2000s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.5 grams total, 16-21 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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. -
Roman Glass Jug with Trail
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Squat body with domed shoulder, tubular neck and broad flared rim, applied strap handle, applied trail to neck and shoulder, dimple base. 53 grams, 96 mm high
Acquired on the UK art market, 1990s. Private collection, New York, USA.
