Roman Bifacial Terracotta Forger's Coin Mould

Discoid in plan and plano-convex in section, some with iridescence. 27 grams total, 13-21 mm



From an old collection formed after WWII and believed to have been from Paestum. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

With a wide, grooved hoop expanding at the shoulders, rectangular plaque with ropework border enclosing amuletic inscription 'ToT, an abbreviation for the name of the Celtic god Toutatis. 5.02 grams, 23.37 mm overall, 19.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex private collection, 1970s. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

A number of rings have been found in eastern Roman Britain inscribed with the word TOT. It is thought that they refer to the Celtic deity Toutatis, later associated by the Romans with Mars and Mercury. The rings have been found mainly in the area corresponding to the native British tribe of the Corieltauvi who may have worshipped Toutatis as their primary tribal deity. The likelihood of the presence of his cult is strengthened by several inscriptions found in Britain mentioning this deity. However, his origin may be sought in the religion of the Continental Celtae, as the Roman writer Lucan in the 1st century AD mentioned the worship of 'Teutatis' together with two other deities, Esus and Taranis.

With a bulbous body, broad flared neck, recess to base; extensive iridescence, repaired. 47 grams, 10 cm



Ex London art market 1990s. From a London, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.