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LOT 1025
Roman Bone Gaming Dice Pair
CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (2.31 grams total, 8-9 mm).
Two cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6,2:5, 3:4. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx gentleman collector of antique and antiquity games from Berkshire, UK, having collected for over 20 years.
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 Iridescent Green Glass Trefoil Jug
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
With a globular, dimpled body, a tapering neck with a trefoil mouth, and an applied strap handle to the rear. 83 grams, 11.8 cm
Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London, 8 July 1994, no.35. Private collection, Suffolk. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.4 grams total, 14-21 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 Carnelian Gemstone with Cockerel and Cornucopia
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Oval translucent intaglio with a standing cockerel before a cornucopia and an olive sprig on the left. 0.40 grams, 11 mm
UK private collection before 2000. London collection, acquired on the UK art market.
