Late Roman Bronze Bracelet with Punched Decoration

Piriform body raised on nine small feet at the base, collar to the conical neck and chamfered rim; to the lower neck a disc with narrow central opening; to the outer face of the body, vertically pinched flanges. 107 grams, 10.9 cm



From a London, UK, collection of glass, 1970-2000s.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 37.4 grams total, 17-20 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' 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.

Flat-section hoop and discoid bezel, incuse noched border enclosing a standing figure (perhaps Victory) holding a staff with a second staff to its rear, flanked by laurel leaves; chipped. 1.86 grams, 17.85 mm overall, 16.54 x 13.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A69.