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LOT 1229
Late Roman Bronze Ring with Diploma-Shaped Bezel
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (1.49 grams, 20.68 mm overall, 15.22 x 13.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)).
Slender hoop with median flange to hoop, bezel formed as a rectangle with lateral trapezoidal spurs, raised legend 'IAω'. [No Reserve]
ProvenancePrivate collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
FootnotesIAΩ (Iao) is the Greek transcription of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the forbidden name of the Hebrew god.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1229
Late Roman Bronze Ring with Diploma-Shaped Bezel
Estimate £60 - 80€70 - 93 (for guidance only)$81 - 108 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) ‡+BP*
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
1st century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31.1 grams total, 12-21 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' 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. -
Roman Miniature Lead Votive Oil Lamp
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Miniature discoid oil lamp with ovules on the shoulder. 15.6 grams, 28 mm
London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent. -
Roman Enamelled Bronze Tortoise-Headed Triangular Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
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.
