Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0844

Roman Bronze Portrait Intaglio in Iron Ring

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (2.70 grams, 20.86 mm overall, 16.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)).

Ellipsoid bezel with inset bronze plaque in a red glass surround; low-relief profile bust with solar crown. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Literature

Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 270, for type.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0844

Roman Bronze Portrait Intaglio in Iron Ring

Sold for (Inc. bp): £260

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
    Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
    3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £130

    A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 29 grams total, 14-25 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.

    Lot Details

  • Large Roman Gaming Dice Pair
    Large Roman Gaming Dice Pair
    1st-2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £260

    Each cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 4.35 grams total, 11 mm each



    Ex Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bronze Childs Ring
    Roman Bronze Child's Ring
    1st-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £39

    Featuring a D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a pseudo-inscription(?). 1.21 grams, 14.74 mm overall, 11.80 mm internal diameter



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

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list