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LOT 0978
Roman Bone Gaming Dice Pair
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (2.9 grams total, 9-10 mm).
Pair of cuboid gaming dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.5 grams total, 16-21 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' 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. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Lion
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
The hoop expanding towards the angled shoulders, oval bezel with a leaping lion facing left. 4.71 grams, 23.21mm overall, 19.26 x 14.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Gold Ring with Nicolo Gemstone
Circa 3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £715
Comprising a D-section hoop with pairs of punched ring-and-dot motifs, a discoid flange to the bezel with similar decoration and a central cell with inset replacement nicolo cloison. 4.67 grams, 20.33 mm overall, 17.70 x 15.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Ex property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.
