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_900x900.jpg "Roman Carved Stone Totum Spinning Gaming Die")
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_900x900.jpg "Roman Carved Stone Totum Spinning Gaming Die")
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LOT 0132
Roman Carved Stone Totum Spinning Gaming Die
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (20.7 grams, 49 mm).
Steatite spinner with conical foot, hexagonal-section body and tapering shank above; facets with incised lettering 'TA, ND, NH, NG, SZ, LS' in serifed Roman capitals. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. for similar gaming dice with facets with incised letters, Schwinden, L., ‘Ein Spielwürfel mit Buchstaben aus dem Römischen Trier’ in Funde und Ausgrabungen im Bezirk Trier, 35, 2003, pp.36-45, figs.1-7.
FootnotesInstead of the usual dots or ring-and-dot markings found on the dice, the numerical values are here indicated by letters. The letters are engraved into the stone with great care, using a burin with an elongated cutting edge. The value sequence was possibly determined by the position of the letters in the Latin alphabet: TA = 1+19; ND = 13+4; NH = 13+8; NG = 13+7; SZ = 18+25; LS = 11+18.
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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LOT 0132
Roman Carved Stone Totum Spinning Gaming Die
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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