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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]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 270, for type.
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 Bronze Sleeping Dog Protome and Finial Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Comprising: a stylised dog head with conical neck, and an onion-knop finial with a collar below. 6.42 grams total, 12.7-14.4 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Iron Ring with Bronze Plate with Serapis
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
Slender hoop with expanding shoulders, bezel set with a bronze intaglio with a gilt low-relief profile bust of Serapis wearing modius. 4.81 grams, 22.93 mm overall, 18.00 x 13.48 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 38 grams total, 15-22 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.
