Roman and Other Lead Weights

Cuboid die with five sides bearing incised symbols: ring-and-dot (or theta Θ), 'IV' (for 'four'), saltire (or 'X' for 'ten'), frond with four spurs to each side, similar with one spur to each side. 4.5 grams, 8.7 mm



Found by the Roman fort at Caister, east of Norwich, Norfolk, UK, prior to 1998. Acquired from Richard Gladdle, 9th June 1998. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.42. Accompanied by a Colin Narbeth catalogue identification card. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Celtic & Roman Artefacts book pages where this object is published.

The conventional Roman dice were made in bone or lead, with dots representing numbers from 1 to 6. Roman dice from the Romano-British settlements are often poorly made and often had opposite sides that do not add up to 7. This dice is unique in the panorama of the Romano-British dice, because the symbols probably represent an alternative to the simple numerical dimples which appear on most dices.

The tapering gemstone with attractive brown and white banding, intaglio motif of a rearing serpent flanking reversed letters T and C, the body coiled and forming an infinity sign; set in an eastern medieval gold ring with a keeled hollow-form hoop of heavy construction, and applied stepped bezel. 12.73 grams, 31.46 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P , USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Private collection, USA. From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12107-214337.

The image on the gemstone can refer to a simplified representation of the radiant serpent-god Chnoubis, invoked to cure stomach ache and heartburn. According to the Greek physician Galen, when worn as an amulet, it benefitted the stomach and the oesophagus.

Including discoid, melon, plano-convex and other types. 880 grams total, 19-37 mm



Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.