Roman Bronze Duck with Ducklings Mount

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 30 grams total, 13-22 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.

Tall, sloping walls and a dimpled base; probably cut down from a larger vessel. 171 grams, 15.6 cm wide



From an important London, UK, glass collection, formed 1990s onwards.

This shape is a variety of hemispherical cups found in various materials and techniques during the first three centuries of the Empire. Clay cups of the same shape have been discovered alongside coins of Augustus in necropolises in Switzerland. An analogous form in glass appears in a cup fragment found at Karanis, Egypt, in a stratum dated to the 3rd century AD. The type of decoration is characteristic of the Syrian production centre during the 3rd century AD.

Ellipsoid in plan with incuse design of a weighing balance and scale pans, perched eagle to one side and a cornucopia to the other, star above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.52 grams, 13 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.