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LOT 0712
Roman Agate Gemstone with Bird
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (0.78 grams, 11.29 mm).
With intaglio bird standing on a baseline; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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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Roman Bronze Bow Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With a convex bow and a returned foot forming the catchplate, a coiled spring pin. 4.73 grams, 51 mm
Acquired Town Hall Antiques, Market Place, Woburn, Bedfordshire, UK, on 21st January 2000. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by the original Town Hall Antiques invoice. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 38 grams total, 15-22 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. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Bird
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
An interphalangeal ring with a slender hoop and an oval bezel with a stylised bird. 1.69 grams, 17.62 mm overall, 13.08 x 15.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.30, Japan 4)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
