Roman Bronze Roundel Plate Brooch

Formed as a reclining panther with legs extended and tail recuved to the rump, head raised and modelled in the round; enamelled roundel cells to the flanks; hinged pin and catch to the reverse. 10.36 grams, 36 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Clare Morris, dated 26 February 2012.

Penannular bracelet with rounded terminals, the upper face decorated with annulets and X-motifs, five large circlets with hatching at the centre. 30.2 grams, 57 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.8 grams total, 15-24 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.